How to Control Ants on a Lawn

Ants are the most common pests for homes and buildings. They can injure those who step in their mounds, may contaminate food and often cause structural damage. Ants are organized in an army, their goal in life being to bring food back to the hearth. If your home is being invaded by ants they could be nesting in your yard. Aside from home invasions, ants destroy lawns by feeding on grass seeds. Their underground tunnels may also affect your lawn's absorption of water.

• 1

  Locate the nesting spot. Once you detect the path of ants into the home you may try and follow the trail to their mound. Alternatively, the ants may be nesting under rocks, pavement or other ground objects; they may also be obscured by leaves and mulch. Wood damaged by moisture is another spot to inspect when trying to track down ants. Set a trap if the source of the ants remains elusive. Place a dab of honey or jelly on an index card and set it close to where you see ants. When they start feeding, follow them back home.

• 2

  Purchase insecticides such as carbaryl and those containing pyrethroids. Key components of the latter include bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin. The larger the colonies, the more solution you should buy. If you are tackling a large colony, have a bucket handy to mix the solution.

  Those opposed to chemicals may consider the slew of natural remedies available. Cucumbers may be sliced and placed in the nesting areas, as ants hate cucumbers. Products containing orange peel or lemon are also effective.

• 3

  Apply the remedy. Follow the label's directions, paying close attention to mixing and ratios. Sprinkle ant bait beside mounds, along cracks in the pavement and in other areas where trailing and nesting is evident.

• 4

  Purchase native plants that can act as barriers to ants. Caulk around doors, windows and other openings in the home to prevent entry.