Although ants aren't the most welcome sight in your garden, they're not always a sign of impending doom. In fact, seeing a few ants every now and then is a sign of a healthy ecosystem and thriving biodiversity.
However, a full-on ant infestation is a different story, especially if you're garden proud.
In this blog post, we'll answer three related questions: how much of a problem are ants, what attracts them to your garden, and how can you get rid of garden ants?
Are garden ants a problem?
Compared to some common garden pests, ants don't do all that much damage to plants. In fact, they can actually be beneficial in some instances, as the small tunnels they dig help to aerate the soil.
Although they're not the most disruptive of pests, that still doesn't mean they're a welcome visitor! Particularly in the summer months when gardens are being used the most, ants can ruin picnics by crawling in your sandwiches and climbing into your drinks.
Contrary to popular belief, common black garden ants can't actually bite – their jaws are too weak. Red ants, wood ants, and flying ants can sting, but they're a lot less common. Overall, ants are generally harmless but still not ideal, particularly if you have young children.
There's also the presence of anthills to consider. Anthills can be a minor tripping hazard, especially if you have compromised mobility. Not to mention the fact that they are a real eyesore, and can make mowing your lawn difficult.
What attracts ants?
There are lots of things that can attract ants, but one of the most common culprits is food.
Ants mainly feast on honeydew, but there are other things that ants find appetising. Ants are particularly attracted to sugary substances such as nectar. They also collect seeds from plants such as cabbage, heather, viola, and radish. If you have any of these in your garden, this may explain why there are so many ants around.
If you've recently had a barbecue, it's possible that food dropped on the ground is attracting ants, particularly sweet treats like fresh fruit and sugary cakes.
How to get rid of ants in my garden
If you have an ant problem in your lawn, the best way to tackle it is to hire professional help. There are a number of different home remedies you can try, but if you're looking to get the job done right first time around, professional pest control is the way to go.
Lawn Ant Control
If you have any questions about the lawn pest control services we offer here at Lawn & Weed Expert, reach out and contact us today. Our expert team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, and you can also arrange a FREE no-obligation lawn survey so a team of experts can survey your lawn and offer their professional advice on the best course of action.
Contact Us
READ MORE: How to Get Rid of Lawn Ants
