Ants nest beneath mulch, landscape fabric, pavers, stepping stones, patio slabs, logs, stones, and potted plants, plus in soil against the foundation and inside damp or decaying wood.
Ants want soil that stays moist but not soaked. They also want cover from predators and sun, and a stable temperature. Anything flat that sits on the ground can easily provide all three.
First, keep an eye on your mulched beds. The very same material that insulates your soil also gives ants sheltered routes for travel. Avoid placing landscape fabric beneath the mulch to prevent creating a highly sheltered, attractive layer for pest activity.
Hardscaping can also be a source of trouble. Pavers and sidewalks all have to sit on something. That usually means sand or soil. Pavement ants are perfectly comfortable nesting under patios. You can see evidence of this in the form of soil mounds that push up between paver joints.
There are also plenty of natural places where ants can build nests. Tree cavities are common and many nest under bark. Some spend their days in the soil around aphid-infested shrubs.
If you are looking for quick tips on how to manage problems around your home, here’s what you can do. Pull mulch back from the foundation to leave a dry gap. Keep it thin rather than deep. Move woodpiles and stored items off the soil and away from the house. Fix the moisture problems that create damp wood, which usually means gutters and grading. Trim shrubs so they do not touch the siding. And if the problem persists, call a professional for treatment.
If ants are nesting around your foundation, Mosquito Squad of Waukesha County & Milwaukee North Shore can help. Mosquito Squad treats the ant colonies outside your home and the entry points they use. This will help you protect your home from the trails that start in the yard.
