How to Kill Ants: The Ultimate Guide to Ant-Free Lawns

plant fertiliser

Written by Ian Thompson

Ian holds a Masters in Turf Management from Sydney University, has over 20 years experience working as a golf course Superintendent, turf manager, product formulation and development. We call him our resident Lawn genius.

Ants are pretty cool insects, but when they invade your lawn and outdoor spaces, they can become a nuisance. These pests not only disrupt the appearance of your lawn but also pose risks to plants and create discomfort during outdoor activities. If you’re looking for an effective way to eliminate ants, we’ve got you covered. This guide focuses on how to control ants in your lawn and garden using Monarch G, a highly effective granule insecticide containing fipronil.

 

Why Do Ants Invade Lawns?

Ants are naturally drawn to lawns for shelter and food. While they contribute to soil aeration, their colonies can cause:

 

  • Soil Disruption: Ant mounds disturb the evenness of your lawn.
  • Plant Damage: Ants farming aphids can harm grass and plants by promoting aphid infestations.
  • Unsightly Trails: Visible ant pathways are both unattractive and inconvenient.
  • Painful: If you’ve ever been bitten by a fire ant then you know why they are called “fire” ants.
  • Pest Collaboration: Ants attract secondary pests, such as aphids, that can further damage vegetation.

 

Signs of an Ant Infestation

Before treating your lawn, it’s crucial to identify the presence of ants. Look out for:

 

  • Mounds of Loose Soil: These indicate nesting sites.
  • Ant Trails: Visible lines of ants moving between their nest and food sources.
  • Bald or Patchy Grass: Areas where ants may have displaced soil around roots.
  • Aphids on Plants: Ants protect aphids to harvest the honeydew they excrete.

 

The Monarch G Solution

For effective and lasting control of ants, Monarch G Insecticide is an ideal choice. It combines ease of application with unparalleled efficacy.

 

What Makes Monarch G Effective?

  • Active Ingredient: Fipronil, which works by disrupting the nervous system of ants through ingestion and contact.
  • Granule Formulation: Allows for even distribution across the lawn.
  • Non-Repellent: Ants don’t detect the product, allowing them to carry it back to the colony.
  • Colony-Wide Elimination: Once ingested, the bait spreads within the colony, including to the queen, ensuring complete eradication.

 

How to Apply Monarch G

Step 1: Preparation

Identify active nests, mounds, or ant trails.

Use a granular spreader for even application.

Step 2: Application

Spread 1.2 kg of Monarch G per 100 m² for general ant control or 7.5 kg per 100 m² for direct nest treatment.

Ensure incorporation with at least 6 mm of water (from rain or irrigation) to activate the granules.

Step 3: Target Problem Areas

For heavy infestations, apply granules directly around mounds or in ant trails, ensuring a coverage radius of approximately 5.6 meters around each nest.

Step 4: Monitor and Repeat

Ant activity should decrease significantly within days. For persistent infestations, reapply after a few weeks to ensure full eradication.

 

Why Choose Monarch G?

Monarch G offers several advantages over traditional ant control methods:

 

  • Efficacy on Multiple Pests: Effective not just on ants but also on mole crickets and other turf pests.
  • Ease of Use: Granular format simplifies application.
  • Environmentally Considerate: Safe for recreational, domestic, and commercial turf when used as directed.
  • No Resistance Issues: Its novel mode of action minimizes the risk of pest resistance.

Quick Tips for Best Results

  • Avoid applying Monarch G to non-porous surfaces like concrete.
  • Keep treated areas away from edible plants and their roots.
  • Always follow the label instructions for safety and optimal performance.

 

You may also like…

How To Prevent Lawn Billbugs

How To Prevent Lawn Billbugs

There’s no better sight for homeowners than a lush, healthy lawn. In fact, a dense, dark, green lawn gives your home...