Finding ant nests in your lawn, flower beds or around the patio can be frustrating, particularly when ants keep returning to the same area. If you're looking for a natural way to discourage ants without using conventional chemical ant killers, nematodes for ants could be a useful option.
Ant nematodes are microscopic, beneficial organisms applied to garden soil. They help make treated nesting areas less attractive to ants, encouraging colonies to move elsewhere.
In this guide, we'll explain how ant nematodes work, whether they really get rid of ants, when to apply them in the UK and how to use them effectively in lawns, borders and other outdoor areas.
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Do Nematodes for Ants Really Work?
Yes, ant nematodes can help discourage ants from nesting in treated garden soil when conditions are suitable.
However, it's important to understand what ant nematodes are designed to do. Unlike some nematode treatments that kill insect larvae, ant nematodes are primarily used to encourage ant colonies to relocate away from treated areas.
Ant nematodes are not a guaranteed way to eliminate an entire ant colony. Their effectiveness depends on the location of the nest, soil conditions and correct application.
What Are Ant Nematodes?
Ant nematodes are microscopic roundworms used as a biological pest-control treatment.
Gardening Naturally's ant nematode products contain Steinernema feltiae, a beneficial nematode species also used in certain other specialist pest-control treatments.
When applied to moist soil around ant nests, these nematodes help create conditions that ants find unsuitable for nesting.
Because they are microscopic, you won't see the nematodes moving through the soil after application.
If you'd like to understand more about beneficial nematodes in general, read our guide to nematodes and natural pest control.
How Do Ant Nematodes Work?
Ant nematodes are mixed with water and applied directly to active nesting areas.
The nematodes move through suitable moist soil around the nest. Their presence is intended to disturb the nesting environment, encouraging ants to move their colony away from the treated area.
That is why ant nematodes are best described as a natural ant nest deterrent rather than a treatment guaranteed to kill every ant.
They are most useful when you can identify where ants are nesting and apply the treatment to the surrounding soil.
What Types of Garden Ants Can Nematodes Help Control?
Gardening Naturally's ant nematode range is intended for common garden ants, including black, red and yellow ants.
These ants may build nests in:
- Lawns and grassy areas.
- Flower beds and garden borders.
- Soil around patios and paving edges.
- Raised beds and other outdoor growing areas.
- Soil around garden paths.
Ants are also part of a healthy garden ecosystem, so treatment is usually most useful where nests are causing a specific problem rather than simply because ants are present.
How to Get Rid of Ant Nests in a Lawn
Ant nests in lawns can create small mounds of loose soil, make mowing more awkward and leave uneven patches of grass.
If you're looking for a natural way to discourage ants from nesting in your lawn, follow these steps.
1. Locate the Active Ant Nests
Look for loose soil, small entrance holes and ants regularly moving in and out of the same area.
Focus on active nests rather than treating the entire lawn unnecessarily.
2. Check the Soil Temperature
For Gardening Naturally's ant nematode products, aim to apply when the soil temperature is above 10°C, following the instructions on your chosen pack.
Spring and summer are usually the most suitable periods in the UK.
3. Water the Soil Before Treatment
Nematodes need moisture to move through the soil. If the lawn is dry, water the affected area before application.
4. Mix the Nematodes with Water
Prepare the nematodes according to the instructions supplied with the pack.
Use a suitable watering can or nematode applicator and distribute the mixture as directed.
5. Apply to the Nest and Surrounding Soil
Concentrate on the affected nesting area, ensuring the treatment reaches the soil rather than remaining on the grass leaves.
6. Keep the Soil Moist
After application, prevent the treated soil from drying out for at least two weeks, as recommended for Gardening Naturally's ant nematodes.
Monitor the area for changes in ant activity and follow the product instructions if further treatment is required.
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When Is the Best Time to Apply Ant Nematodes in the UK?
The best time to apply ant nematodes is when ants are active and the soil is warm enough for the nematodes to work.
For most UK gardens, spring through summer offers the best opportunity to treat active ant nests.
Gardening Naturally's ant nematode range is generally recommended for use from April to September, subject to suitable soil conditions.
| Time of Year | Ant Nematode Advice |
|---|---|
| Spring | A useful time to treat newly active nests once soil temperatures are suitable. |
| Summer | Often suitable for treatment, provided the soil is kept moist during dry weather. |
| Early autumn | Treatment may still be possible if ants are active and soil conditions meet the product requirements. |
| Winter | Generally unsuitable for outdoor ant nematode application because soil conditions are often too cold. |
Always check the soil temperature rather than relying on the month alone.
For advice on other nematode treatments throughout the year, read our UK nematode application calendar.
Can You Use Ant Nematodes Around Patios and Paving?
Ants frequently build nests beneath paving slabs, around patio edges and between garden paths.
Ant nematodes can be useful where there is accessible soil around an active nest.
However, they need to reach moist soil to work effectively. Simply pouring a nematode solution over sealed paving or hard surfaces is unlikely to provide the same benefit.
Where possible, identify accessible soil at the nest entrance or around the affected paving and follow the product application instructions.
For ants inside the home, ant nematodes are not generally the appropriate treatment.
Are Ant Nematodes Safe for Pets, Children and Plants?
Ant nematodes offer a natural, non-chemical approach to discouraging ant nests in the garden.
Gardening Naturally's ant nematode products are suitable for use around lawns, plants, children and pets when applied according to the supplied instructions.
They do not work like conventional chemical ant killers, and treated lawns can generally be used again immediately after application.
As with any garden product, follow the label instructions for handling, application and storage.
How Long Do Ant Nematodes Take to Work?
Ant nematodes are not an instant ant killer.
You may notice a change in activity as ants begin to avoid the treated nesting area, but the time taken can vary depending on the nest and conditions.
Large or established colonies may be more difficult to discourage, and ants may relocate to another part of the garden.
For this reason, it's better to judge success by whether activity decreases in the area you wanted to protect, rather than expecting every ant to disappear.
Why Might Ant Nematodes Not Work?
If ants continue using a treated nest, check for these common problems:
- The soil was too cold: Nematodes may be less active outside the recommended temperature range.
- The soil dried out: Moisture is essential for nematode movement and survival.
- The treatment missed the nest: Applying to surrounding paving instead of accessible soil may reduce effectiveness.
- The product was stored incorrectly: Live nematodes can lose effectiveness if exposed to unsuitable temperatures.
- The nest is large or difficult to reach: Established colonies may not relocate as expected.
- The ants have returned: New nests can form after an earlier colony moves away.
Check the instructions on your pack before deciding whether to repeat treatment.
How Many Ant Nests Can One Pack Treat?
Coverage depends on the Gardening Naturally product you choose.
Our range includes ant nematode packs intended for different numbers of nests, including options for treating up to 16 or 50 nests.
Choose the pack based on the number of active nests and the area you need to treat, then follow the recommended application rate.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nematodes for Ants
Do nematodes kill ants or make them move?
Ant nematode treatments are primarily intended to encourage ants to relocate away from treated nesting areas. They should not be treated as a guaranteed way to kill an entire colony.
Can I use ant nematodes on a lawn?
Yes. Ant nematodes can be applied to active nesting areas in lawns, provided the soil temperature and moisture conditions are suitable.
Do ant nematodes work on black ants?
Gardening Naturally's ant nematodes are marketed for common black, red and yellow garden ants.
What soil temperature do ant nematodes need?
For the ant nematode products linked in this guide, aim for soil temperatures above 10°C and always check the instructions supplied with your particular pack.
Should I water before applying ant nematodes?
Yes. The soil should be moist before application. Water dry areas first so the nematodes can move through the soil more easily.
How long should I keep the soil moist?
Gardening Naturally recommends keeping the treated soil from drying out for at least two weeks after application.
Can I apply ant nematodes when it's raining?
Light rain or damp conditions may help maintain moisture, but avoid heavy rain that could wash the treatment away before it reaches the soil.
Can I use ant nematodes in clay soil?
They can be applied to clay soil, although heavily compacted or waterlogged conditions may make effective distribution more difficult. Follow the product guidance and ensure the soil is suitably moist.
Will ant nematodes harm my plants?
Ant nematodes are intended for use in garden soil around plants and lawns. Apply them as directed.
Are ant nematodes safe for earthworms?
Ant nematodes are not intended to control earthworms. As with any biological treatment, follow the instructions and avoid unnecessary application outside the affected area.
How should I store ant nematodes?
Keep the pack refrigerated until use, do not freeze it and apply the nematodes before the expiry date. These are live, perishable products.
Can I apply ant nematodes more than once?
Further treatment may be appropriate if nests remain active or new nests appear. Follow the recommended application guidance.
Can ant nematodes be used all year round?
No. Outdoor ant nematode treatments are generally most suitable during the warmer months when ants are active and soil temperatures are within the product's recommended range.
Can I use ant nematodes inside the house?
Ant nematodes are designed for suitable outdoor soil and are not generally a treatment for indoor ant trails or nests inside buildings.
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For the best chance of success, identify active nests, apply when soil temperatures are suitable and keep the soil moist after treatment.
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Looking for other ways to manage garden ants? Explore our ant control products.