Does Artificial Grass Attract Ants?

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to spend warm days. Unfortunately, ants like to take advantage of the weather and roam around in your grass. Some people have decorated their outdoor space with artificial grass in hopes of deterring ants and other pests. Check out if artificial grass can really deter ants from invading your yard.

Are Ants Attracted to Artificial Grass?

Though artificial grass looks like natural grass, ants can spot the difference. Those with artificial grass will be happy to know that ants aren’t attracted to artificial grass. Check out a few reasons why ants aren’t fond of artificial grass.   

When artificial grass is installed, any natural grass as well as the first layer of soil is removed. Many ant species build nests in soil, which means they’re losing access to nesting sites. This means they’ll have to search for a different place to nest. 

One of the benefits of artificial grass is the reduction of moisture build-up. Most artificial grasses have good water drainage and they are known to dry quickly. Ants, and other pests, need water to survive. If they can’t access it in your yard, they aren’t going to stick around.  

Several pests feed on plants, flowers, and grasses. Since they can’t eat artificial grass, they won’t be able to survive in your yard. This will reduce the number of pests in general, which can help to deter ants that feed on other pests.

Does Artificial Grass Eliminate Ant Problems?

Though artificial grass can help reduce the number of ants you find crawling around your yard, it doesn’t mean your life will be ant-free. Check out why ants could still be a problem.

Some artificial grass installations place a layer of sand beneath the grass. Sand can actually encourage ant activity because they can build nests in it. If you’re switching to artificial grass, make sure to research installation methods and choose the best one for your needs.

Plants and flowers are known to attract a variety of garden pests including aphids. These tiny pests produce honeydew that ants love to eat. If aphids have infested your garden, there’s a good chance ants could be lured to your yard.

Artificial grass won’t eliminate all yard debris. Leaves will still fall and can provide harborage sites for ants. To avoid an invading ant army, you’ll need to make sure you don’t let debris pile up in your yard.

Though your yard may be less attractive to ants, this doesn’t mean they won’t sneak into homes. If your house provides them access to food, water, and a sheltered place to hide, they won’t hesitate to move in.

How to Get Rid of Ants

Ants enter homes looking for food, water, and shelter. If they can’t find these necessities, they will be forced to leave. Clean up any spills or crumbs so they won’t have access to food. Eliminate sources of water by repairing or replacing leaky pipes. You’ll also want to make sure you aren’t inviting them in with easy entry points. Repair or replace torn window screens and seal any cracks or holes.

Treating your home and yard with a natural, plant-based insecticide spray can help keep your home free of ants. Our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Yard Bug Spray can be applied to the perimeter of your yard to help eliminate an infestation. It kills on contact and helps to deter pests from entering your yard. Using a bait, like our No Spill Ant Kill or Ant Killer Bait, will help to ensure the entire ant colony is eliminated for long-lasting control.

Artificial grass can be beneficial in preventing an ant infestation in your yard. Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean they will never be a problem. If you’re battling a pest problem, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.