Multiple Ants nest on Lawn - how to get rid of???

Discussion in 'Lawns' started by marty 600, Apr 27, 2006.

  1. marty 600

    marty 600 Apprentice Gardener

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    Hiya All again,

    I really need to sort this out. It has been going on for years. (I haven't been much of a gardener - but this year Ifancy giving it a go!)

    Each year, I mow the lawn, and there are always ants nest mounds. The only thing I've done is dig up the area and use "ant Spray" to kill the blighters off (THe closet ant killer thing to hand really.)


    My Lawn is pretty bumpy now, with the old nest mounds counting up. Also, The Ant problem is as bad as ever, new nest keep coming up.


    Ok, how do I go about fixing this?? Please help!


    I'm hoping I can:

    1. Buy some "ant killer" stuff I can Water can over the lawn
    2. Apply this weekly
    3. Mow the lawn more frequently - to spot Mounds before they get too big.
    3. Simply flatten the mounds with a thump of a spade - once the mound is dead.


    Is this realistic?
    Anything else I can do?

    hope you can help!

    Martin
     
  2. Waco

    Waco Gardener

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    Marty I have never had to deal with ants luckily, but as I have been walking dogs I have seen small holes about 1cm in diameter - loads of them. I have also seen one in a flower bed and suspected they are ants.

    I am sure someone will com up with something, but I am at the stage of asking around esp. as I have problem with moles too and suspect the mole man will have the solution.
     
  3. marty 600

    marty 600 Apprentice Gardener

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    Hiya Waco,

    A lady at work suggested using Boiling water from a kettle to kill the blighters off... This will also soften up the ground for the day after - when I flatten the mound with a spade etc.


    But won't boiling water kill the grass as well?


    Please advise!
     
  4. Waco

    Waco Gardener

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    I really don't know how to advise you Marty, just hope someeone else will pick up on this thread.

    Yes boiling water will kill your grass. With wasps we smoke them out, with moles, a poisonous worm, I will ask about for you - all I can do for you for now sorry.
     
  5. marty 600

    marty 600 Apprentice Gardener

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    Cheers Waco! 8)

    Thanks for the Boiling water warning tho.

    Phew - glad I asked - I was going to Pour boiling water all over the place tommorow!
     
  6. roders

    roders Total Gardener

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    I usually poggle a hole with a metal stake about three quarters inch wide six to eight inches deep
    squirt in any ant killer.....Next day wollop flat with large spade..Job Done... [​IMG]
     
  7. Paladin

    Paladin Gardening...A work of Heart

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    Kick the mound,stir 'em up then park the rotary mower on top for a few minutes...Beats as it sweeps as it cleans :D
     
  8. marty 600

    marty 600 Apprentice Gardener

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    Cool...

    Not rocket science then!

    The only thing I suppose I haven't been doing is flattening the day after!

    I'm going to take a look at the state of the lawn tommorow, and give you guys a heads up if thats ok

    I'm hoping the Lawn isn't too bumpy after all these years....


    Cheers
    Martin 8)
     
  9. Dave W

    Dave W Total Gardener

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    Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise:

    Remarkable creatures, but wretched pests in the wrong place.


    [​IMG]
     
  10. Waco

    Waco Gardener

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    Got you your answer today in Sainsburys whilst buying bleach - they sell ant remover kits, now don't know if they work or now, but wirth a go.
     
  11. marty 600

    marty 600 Apprentice Gardener

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    THanks Waco, I might just popo into Sainsbury tommorow then!

    Have a nice bank holiday guys! 8)
     
  12. robbsy1

    robbsy1 Gardener

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    I agree with the above that you need to kill them with powder or something but to remove the mound of soil just sweep it over with a stiff yard brush. This aleviates ending up with lumps of soil in your lawn.
     
  13. Paladin

    Paladin Gardening...A work of Heart

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    robbsy..I find the mower method takes away the excess soil along with the ants..I reseed the patch and just heel it in.
    Mind you..my lawn is trampled every day with tiny feet and lumps have no chance :D
     
  14. hans

    hans Gardener

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    A good post. Same here ants in the lawns and patio areas even in the garden. I will certainly go to Sainsburys and try their stuff. Mine seem to have been killed but always return. I'm a green gardener but when all else fails...... The red ones bite and always somewhere awkward or unmentionable.
     
  15. Daisies

    Daisies Total Gardener

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    Aw, poor ants! I've always admired them for their industry and co-operativeness. Sad when they get in the wrong place - like in my kettle when I thought the little black grounds floating on top of my coffee was undissolved coffee grounds!! Yuk!!
     
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