Nematodes for Ants: How Ants Can Ruin Your Garden

Ant damage

Ants, while small, can create significant problems in your garden. Their presence can lead to several issues that affect both the aesthetics and health of your lawn and plants.

One of the most noticeable problems ants cause is the creation of their characteristic mounded nests. These nests are not only unsightly but can also become trip hazards and make mowing your lawn difficult. The mounds can disrupt the smooth surface of your lawn, leading to an uneven appearance and potential safety issues.

Ants build extensive underground networks that can cause root damage to the grass and plants. These tunnels can interfere with the roots’ ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to weakened plants and patches of dead grass. Over time, this can result in a less healthy and vibrant lawn.

The nests that ants build can be quite expansive, often housing thousands of ants. This large population can exacerbate the damage to your garden, as more ants mean more tunneling and more disruption to the soil and plant roots.

Do nematodes kill ants?

Ant nematodes, specifically Steinernema feltiae, are tiny parasitic worms that can be highly effective in controlling ants. These beneficial nematodes work by seeking out and infecting ant larvae in the soil. 

Once they enter the larvae, they release bacteria that kill the larvae within a few days and also irritates the adult ants so they leave the area. This process not only reduces the number of ants emerging as adults but also disrupts the colonies growth and expansion.

By targeting the larvae, nematodes help to naturally reduce ant populations without the need for chemical pesticides, making them a safe and environmentally friendly option for garden pest control. Additionally, nematodes do not harm plants, humans, or pets, making them an ideal solution for maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.

How to rid ants from from your lawn

To rid your lawn of ants using ant nematodes, apply a solution containing Steinernema feltiae nematodes to the affected areas.