Turf Ants - Emmet County - Ask Extension
I am an Extension Master Gardener from Emmet County. A citizen has asked a question that I don't know how to answer. A review of Extension resources i...
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Turf Ants - Emmet County #466876
Asked July 01, 2018, 3:39 PM EDT
I am an Extension Master Gardener from Emmet County. A citizen has asked a question that I don't know how to answer. A review of Extension resources is not helpful so I hope you can assist. I have the same problem with my lawn so I am also looking for a solid solution. The soil in Emmet county is sandy which seems to attract ants into the turf and patios. This year the damage is significant. See attached pix. I have used a dry ant killer on my turf & the citizen has sprayed with Triazicide. We have both watered regularly & I practice Smart Gardening techniques mowing high, returning clippings to lawn etc. How do we get rid of these turf ants & restore our lawn/patios to their former beauty?
Emmet County Michigan
Expert Response
Ants can be very numerous in sandy sites and the mounds are unsightly where turf is sparse, however, they are not likely to be the cause of the turf decline. Many other factors may be involved here. Have you had the soil tested this year? Sandy soils can become depleted of nutrients rather quickly. Michigan law prohibits the use of fertilizers containing phosphorous on lawns except during establishment, or in the event that a soil test shows a lack of phosphorous. A soil test is a good first step in diagnosing any lawn problem. If you have already tested your soil, and found it not to be deficient in nutrients, I would refer you to this MSUE website about managing ants in turfgrass: http://www.msuturfinsects.net/details/_/ant_8/ .
