Local Exterminator
Can Ants Be Beneficial To Your Yard?
Eliana D.

 

The majority of people that walk through their lawn or garden and find an anthill, end up destroying it. But by doing so, you’re actually doing a disservice to your yard or garden. Though most gardeners find these anthills a nuisance, they actually serve a few beneficial purposes. The benefit of having ants isn’t always obvious. However, researchers have discovered that they serve several key functions that help nature prosper. Here Local Exterminator details the few benefits to ants and also ways to prevent them from infesting your home.

 

The Benefits of Ants

  • They aerate the soil – Most ants dig tunnels through the ground that can get very widespread and intricate. These tunnels help moisture and air work their way through the soil so that the roots of plants can soak them up more easily.
  • They fertilize plants – Ants often use decaying foliage to build their nests. As a result, nutrients are added to the soil and nearby plants receive fertilization.
  • They help with pollination – As ants roam around finding food they pick up pollens. During their travels, ants distribute the pollen and inadvertently pollinate plants.
  • They help control other insects – The appetite of ants has been known to help decrease the number of numerous insects that wreak havoc on lawns and gardens. Ants are also highly territorial and will fight off other insects and animals that get too close to their nest.
Can Ants Be Beneficial To Your Yard?

Prevent In-Home Ant Infestations

  • Minimize Food Source – Ants are generally on one mission…to find food. Because of that, ants come into your home looking for a reliable source. Eliminating these sources helps prevent them from coming into your house in the first place. To minimize this takeover, keep your food, including pet food, sealed in airtight containers. Keep your countertops clean and floors swept or vacuumed. Take the trash out regularly and keep trashcans tightly sealed. Rinse cans, bottles, and other sugary-based liquid jugs before throwing them away.
  • Seal Access Points – Minimizing access points is a key way to stopping a future infestation. The harder it is for pests to get in, the harder it is for them to take over. Inspect both the interior and exterior of your home to identify potential access points where ants can get in. Apply weatherstripping or other materials to doors and gaps around windows. Caulk around pipes and faucets. Seal control joints in driveways and patios. Seal gaps and cracks around foundations, as well. By doing these simple things, your home is less likely to have ant infestations this season.
  • Landscaping – Another key factor to infestations is the landscaping around your property. Keep your grass mowed and yards cleared. Make sure logs and branches are cut back so they are not touching your house. Make sure gutters are kept clear of debris and clogs. Store firewood a safe distance away from the house and elevate it off the ground (if possible). This cuts down on breeding grounds for ants.

Ant Control Professionals

 

At Local Exterminator, Inc we provide expert pest control for any problem you may have with an ant infestation. We can identify the problem and ensure that you get rid of all of the ants causing damage to your home. Furthermore, we can help to prevent future infestations so that you won’t have to worry about ants in the future.

 

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