Help! Ants are ruining my life.

Discussion in 'Lawns' started by Ghost, Mar 23, 2024.

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  1. Ghost

    Ghost Apprentice Gardener

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    When I moved into my latest property, it was clear that the garden had not been maintained for some years. I am still in the process of working through it but I am struggling with the lawn (front and back) I have Ant hills that keep coming back time after time and I can’t get rid of them. They have left mounds everywhere and I try flattening them but it makes no difference they will be back within 2-3 weeks. I also have a dog so need to be careful. Any advice is welcome?
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2024
    Ghost, Mar 23, 2024
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  2. Ghost

    Ghost Apprentice Gardener

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    Images of the rear garden
    IMG_2158.jpeg IMG_2092.jpeg 24ED8351-D96E-4817-88FC-591BF9016741.jpeg
     
    Ghost, Mar 23, 2024
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  3. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    Not sure there's much to be done with ants in a lawn on the whole, but a large nest can be dusted :dunno:
     
    Loofah, Mar 23, 2024
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  4. fairygirl

    fairygirl Total Gardener

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    We don't get bothered by ants here, but we do get moles. Are they definitely ant hills?
    I can't see the pix clearly enough to tell - are there any showing in your photos?
     
    fairygirl, Mar 23, 2024
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  5. Ghost

    Ghost Apprentice Gardener

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    None are shown in the photos but they are definitely Ant hills the worst is the front garden I will upload an image
     
    Ghost, Mar 23, 2024
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  6. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    Unusual for ants to be active at this time of the year. A boiled kettle of water can sort out a nest without being a hazard to your dog. But will also burn off the grass as will your dog if given a free run.
     
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      JWK, Mar 23, 2024
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    • fairygirl

      fairygirl Total Gardener

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      It does seem very early for ants.
       
      fairygirl, Mar 23, 2024
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    • Dovefromabove

      Dovefromabove Head Gardener

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      Regular mowing (not too short) usually deters ants from making mounds in a lawn. Now that your garden is being maintained they will probably build their mounds elsewhere … if it is ants that are causing the problem. As folk have said, there are other possibilities…
       
      Dovefromabove, Mar 23, 2024
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    • Asarum

      Asarum Gardener

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      I saw ants queuing up to get under my back door the other day!
       
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        Asarum, Mar 23, 2024
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      • BB3

        BB3 Total Gardener

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        Clove oil will deter them from coming inside - and it smells nice. But not to ants, apparently!
         
        BB3, Mar 23, 2024
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      • Asarum

        Asarum Gardener

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        That’s interesting, thank you.
         
        Asarum, Mar 23, 2024
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      • Dovefromabove

        Dovefromabove Head Gardener

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        Get some ExAnts and spray it along and around your doorway.

        https://www.amazon.co.uk/EXANTS-Indoors-Outdoor-Insect-Repellent/dp/B079VW2KVV/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=2U20608NTTAQQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OkoGpuKmeNj6USxDnp_u-
        bGNFb255stbb6QQHdjqhI7GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.scQkzGAbkYWG9TAFkfspALZOr-B7yru9FopGTIbnqnk&dib_tag=se&keywords=exants&qid=1711185864&sprefix=exants%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

        It is herbal and won’t harm your dog … it won’t even kill the ants … but if you apply it regularly they won’t cross it and will move away.

        Think you can get it on eBay too.
         
        Dovefromabove, Mar 23, 2024
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      • Jenny_Aster

        Jenny_Aster Optimistic Gardener.

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        Rather than kill them, maybe first try watering where they're bothering you most with
        @Ghost has a dog though, he'll need to ask Google about clove oil.
         
        Jenny_Aster, Mar 23, 2024
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      • BB3

        BB3 Total Gardener

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        I wasn't suggesting it for the garden but for assarum who has them coming into the house. I sprinkle it on the doormat as they get into the porch.
         
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          BB3, Mar 23, 2024
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        • shiney

          shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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          I don't have a solution for you apart from what has been mentioned. When we moved in there was a large red ant nest in the front lawn and apart from the large hump of it they didn't bother us.

          We have been here 52 years and have no idea how long before that the ants arrived. As we consider they have prior residence :heehee: we have left them there. I mow around the hump and grass grows on the top of it, sparsely, and we live happily together. They no longer even run around when I mow. The odd one or two pop up for a look. :)

          I don't know whether having a dog around would make much difference. Maybe, if they bite him or her, he/she will leave them alone in future :whistle:
           
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            shiney, Mar 23, 2024
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