Ant nests

[pixie_woo]

Hi ladies & gents

I have a few ant mounds (loose soil and slightly raised bump) in my garden. I would like to get rid of them so my 9 month old son (and me) can play on the grass. I'm not sure what to use; I don't want to put poison into the ground because my son is bound to eat handfuls of earth and I also have a cat.

I don't just want to scare the ants I want them GONE. What can you suggest, other than conventional ant killers?

Thanks

[Velvetee]

Sounds cruel, but dig down a little into the mound and pour boiling water down. That usually kills the little sods.

[wildwood]

Why do you want to get rid of them? The common little black ants are quite harmless and beneficial to your garden.

I do remember seeing a spraybomb type in a garden center years ago. That had a thin hose on the end and you push that down the holes. Seems a waste of time and money to me though.

[pixie_woo]

Thanks for your replies. I'll grit my teeth and try the boiling water while blocking my mind of the word Karma, LOL.

wildwood, just to answer your question...I'm a wimp and anything crawly makes me very uncomfortable. I don't really want ants crawling over my baby cos I don't think my hubby would appreciate a call at work to come home and remove said ants.

Thanks once again

[SarahJane12]

Sorry, but one of the only sure fire ways is to use a conventional product. My family owns a pest control company, and if there were any natural methoods that actually worked, we would sell those instead! I suggest if you don't want to use a pest professional (which costs a lot more than treating it yourself) get some Amdro (a granular bait you can purchase at Wal-mart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc). Ants gone - simple as that. You will not be putting poison in the ground. You are simply treating the mounds. If your concern is your little one eating hands full of product, the alternative is hand full of earth with ants in it! Always follow product labels and consult your pediatrician. Amdro is pet-safe also when used properly. Check with your vet if you have any questions.

[pixie_woo]

Thanks for your reply SarahJane but I live in the UK. I'm still going to stick with the boiling water, I don't want to put any pellets or powders down.

[tufty7]

I had the same problem last year , they raised up the turf and were living the life of riley , so I cut the grass close to, sucking up a lot in the process, then gave the grass a thumping with the back of a spade , they all thought "sod this were off" and left the scene , do't know where they went perhaps to the neighbours......