Midwestern Homeowner's Guide To Keeping Ants Off The Lawn
During the spring and summer months, ants are a frustration throughout our Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois service areas. They show up at outdoor cookouts and get into food before it's ready to be put on the grill or they climb on food after it has been put on a plate. They crawl around in exterior trash areas, they explore the floor of the garage and establish themselves along walkways. Most of the time, they're just an irritation. But some ants can spread harmful bacteria to your foods and cause stomach illness. And if carpenter ants are the ants you're having trouble with, they could do damage to the structure of your home. That is why it is important to take steps to reduce ants in your yard. Here is our Midwestern Homeowner's Guide to keeping ants off your lawn.
Step 1: Reduce Moisture
Many species of ant will come into your yard and your landscaping because they are drawn to moist areas. When you reduce moisture, you make your landscaping less inviting to ants. You might be wondering, "Don't my plants need moisture?" Yes, they do. There are ways to give your plants the moisture they need without leaving your topsoil oversaturated and inviting to pests:
- Spacing plants out allows the wind to move between your plants and dry your topsoil quickly after watering. This might be laborsome, but it is well worth the effort if you don't want ants and other pests in your home.
- If you have areas that stay damp because of excessive shade, try trimming some tree branches to let the sunlight dry things out.
- If you have a sprinkler, consider putting it on a timer.
- Check to make sure your gutters are not clogged. A clogged gutter can lead to serious oversaturation of your foundation perimeter.
- Trim your grass and remove unwanted vegetation. Excess vegetation and tall grass trap moisture and create an inviting environment for ants.
- If there are any areas around your home where puddles form after it rains, address the conditions that are allowing this to happen.
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Step 2: Reduce Harborage
Many ants come in close to homes because there is organic debris. Leaves, twigs, wood, and other natural items provide protection from the drying effects of the sun and trap moisture near the ground. Objects stored in your yard can do this as well. So it is important to:
- Rake leaves away from your home and remove them from your property if possible.
- Pick up any sticks that are in your yard.
- Store stacks of wood, construction materials, and other objects away from your home. Elevate them if possible. This will get them off the ground and prevent dampness underneath.
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“Action Pest Control has serviced our home in a variety of ways for nearly 14 years. We have been very satisfied with them and contracted for additional services from them because we trust them!”- Joseph E.
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“I have used Action Pest Control for many years now. They are always very professional and easy to work with. Travis was very friendly and helpful during his visit.”- Cassie O.
