Ants can affect all areas of the garden, from lawns to compost, and from pot plants to pathways. They are very social and gather in large numbers often creating numerous ant hills in lawns and extensive nests under hard surfaces.
Depending on the species, nests can vary in size from small chambers under stones, patio slabs or logs, to vast complex cavities that can develop beyond a metre in width and depth.
If you’re finding them a nuisance, or they’re causing damage, you might want to consider encouraging them to move on, using nematodes Steinernema feltiae. This biological control does not kill the ants, but it will drive them out and make them seek a home elsewhere. Steinernema feltiae will work on black, yellow, red, and flying ants.
Identifying Ant Problems
It’s usually easy to identify where ants are building nests by the small piles of soil and sand they deposit on the surface during the excavation process.
A minute or two’s careful watching will show where the entrance or entrances are, giving you a good indication of where to focus your efforts. You might notice ants running along plant stems, branches and tree trunks. This could indicate that an ants’ nest is nearby and that there may be a possible aphid presence in the plant/tree.
Ants can end up causing damage to plants in pots and containers as their nests can interfere with the roots’ ability to take up water and other nutrients.
What is Biological Ant Control
Biological controls are non-chemical treatments that rely on the natural enemies of pests. In the case of ant control, the enemy is the nematode, specifically, the species Steinernema feltiae.
Nematodes are microscopic worms that actively seek out the ants in their nests. The ants become aware of the presence of nematodes and abandon the nest. Ants detect the risk posed by nematodes and will quickly find a home elsewhere.
Biological ant control is a highly effective, safe treatment that can be used on turf as well as ornamentals. They are safe for pets and other wildlife and the perfect choice for organic gardeners.
How Much Ant Control Do I Need?
We sell biological ant control in two pack sizes; one to control up to 16 nests, and one to control up to 50 nests.
There are millions of microscopic nematodes in each pack – carefully worked out to ensure accurate application for each specific area listed. Each application of nematodes will provide at least six weeks control of leatherjackets.
Nematodes are supplied as an easy-to-mix powder which needs to be diluted with water before use. Specific dilution rates are shown in the table below.
How to Use Biological Ant Control
Apply to moist compost/soil, when the soil temp is above 10ºC using a watering can or sprayer.
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Pack Size
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Dilution Rate
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Application Instructions
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16 nests
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1 pack of nematodes in 80L of water to treat 16 nests.
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Dissolve the entire contents of the pack in a bucket containing 8L of water to create a stock solution. Stir vigorously. Take out 500ml of the stock solution and add to a watering can with 4.5L of water. Apply this solution to one nest. Repeat these steps until all of the stock solution has been used and 16 nests have been treated.
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50 nests
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1 pack of nematodes in 250 litres of water to treat 50 nests
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Dissolve the entire contents of the pack in a bucket containing 10 litres of water to create a stock solution. Stir vigorously. Take out 200ml of the stock solution and add to a watering can with 4.8L of water. Apply this solution to one nest. Repeat these steps until all of the stock solution has been used and 50 nests have been treated.
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Ideally you need to pour the nematode solution directly into the nest. The best way to do this is to make a slit in the nest with a spade or trowel and then pour the solution in. You may be able to treat nests under hard surfaces if you are able to deploy the whole solution and can maintain the correct soil moisture. Please contact our specialist team for further advice.
