Get Rid Of Anthills In Your Yard With An Easy Solution From The Hardware Store
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Given how taxing landscaping is, gardening and outdoor enthusiasts would agree that simplifying maintenance is important. Methods for making outdoor tasks easier include using landscaping fabric to cut back on weeding or installing a drip irrigation system to save time on watering. But what do you do when anthills start popping up all over your perfectly manicured lawn? It may seem like an overwhelming task, but there are ways to get rid of anthills in your yard by using various types of fresh bait, like the granules often found at hardware stores or online retailers.
Before running out to the store to buy bait to eliminate ant hills in your yard, figure out what type of ant you have. Not all baits will work the same when it comes to attracting ants, so knowing what species you are dealing with will confirm you are buying the best bait for your situation. For example, the main varieties of bait are protein-based and sugar-based products. These also come in different forms, such as a gel or granules, to spread over the area. Small black household ants typically opt for sugar-based bait, while fire ants (the most common sources of anthills) may be more attracted to protein bait sources.
Ant bait is an ideal way to reduce ant hills in your yard
Once you have fresh bait on hand, start gathering the essential tools needed to get rid of anthills in your yard. This will depend on your chosen bait method, but granules are the most common and effective solution for dealing with large colonies in areas spread out like your home's grassy areas. To make things simple, use a handheld spreader or even a push model to help distribute the granules evenly near the anthills and over the affected space. The goal is to attract the ants to the bait, so they ingest the poisonous material, eventually bringing it back to the queen and harming the entire colony. Unfortunately, this is a process that is not instantaneous and requires patience to see results.
Another set-it-and-forget-it type of method to eliminate anthills is using a type of liquid ant bait that sits in a yard stake. You will need to take the stake, place it firmly into the ground near the anthill, and wait for the insecticide to make its way back to the colony. One affordable option is the Terro Outdoor Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stakes, designed to target common household ants that may be overtaking your yard.
Important factors to keep in mind when trying to remove anthills
No matter which method you find to be the best way to get rid of ants on your property, there are factors to weigh before deciding on a product. First, be sure to keep pets and children away from any type of ant bait. This includes the product itself and treated areas for at least the time specified in the manufacturer's instructions. Once the proper time has passed, inspect your grass and make sure there are no areas with a buildup of the granules that kids or pets could encounter. It is also recommended to use fresh bait during every application for the most effective results, so try to avoid having leftover product to store.
One additional factor many people might not be aware of is that weather conditions can affect whether ant bait is able to reach the colony. For example, you should only spread ant bait granules during dry weather, with temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, there should be no rain for at least 24 hours after spreading the product, though you should always refer to specific instructions for the best results.