May 1, 2025, 9:20 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Small mounds in the well-kept lawn? When ants spread across the grass, it doesn’t go unnoticed. However, with a few targeted measures, these industrious creatures can be gently yet effectively driven away without using chemicals. myHOMEBOOK consulted Dr. Harald Nonn from the German Lawn Society for advice.
Ants can cause unsightly damage to lawns. However, they can be effectively controlled with biological methods or targeted use of water. This article explains which methods are suitable for this purpose.
How Ants Affect the Lawn
Although ants are ecologically beneficial, they are generally considered undesirable in home lawns. The insects bring soil to the surface, suffocating the grass above.
“They mainly disturb because of their soil mounds, which cover the grass and leave yellow or even bare spots on the lawn,” explains Dr. Harald Nonn from the German Lawn Society in response to a myHOMEBOOK inquiry. “They hollow out the soil under the lawn, and the grass dries out quickly,” the expert adds. The result is a patchy and uneven lawn.
When Should You Take Action?
According to Nonn, whether measures against ants are necessary depends on the extent of the infestation: “Currently, many lawns have been colonized by ants. Whether you need to take action against them is a question of the intensity of the infestation and the damage caused.” Ultimately, each garden owner must decide whether to drive away the otherwise beneficial insects or tolerate them in the lawn.
Simple Method: Flushing with Water
A straightforward method to drive ants out of the lawn is the so-called flushing. The raised soil is washed back into the ground with a hose or watering can. In many cases, this measure alone is enough to encourage the ants to move away.
If the nests are particularly stubborn, Nonn advises the targeted use of an insecticide approved for lawns. However, it is better to rely on natural and gentler methods.
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Nematodes Against Ants as a Biological Alternative
Those who want to avoid chemical agents can also use biological products. Suitable options include special ant remedies or nematodes, which are available at hardware stores, garden centers, or online. “This usually kills the ants,” Nonn explains. The nematodes are typically applied with watering and specifically target the insects.
Important for all products: “Please observe the approval and application conditions for biocides in home and small gardens.” Appropriate advice is also available in specialist stores.