Garden Help
Ask a Question
Latest
News: The Lost Garden RebornNews: Nature's Tiny Enforcers: How microscopic worms are revolutionising pest control Feature: Book Review: The Twilight GardenerNews: Peter Beales Roses Claims Historic 31st Gold Medal at Chelsea 2026Product review: Mountfield Battery Lawnmower Electress 38 LiProduct review: Mountfield Typhoon 30Li Cordless Hover LawnmowerWin: Win a Robot Lawn Mowers worth £1079 Win: WIN an Outsunny 3x3(m) Outdoor Gazebo Garden Gazebo Pavilion Sunshade Win: Win a CASO Design PizzaChef 430 Indoor Pizza OvenExplore: Kirstenbosch National Botanical GardenExplore: Monet's Garden, Giverny This week's recipe: Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
Home Pests & Diseases Garden Ants
Pests & Diseases

Garden Ants

Image of Garden Ants
🔎Description

These insects are black or dark brown and live in colonies making nests in soil, lawns or under flat stones. The juvenile ants appear as small white grubs. Ants prefer warm, dry conditions.

⚠️Symptoms

Small mounds of fine soil in lawns and borders or between paving joints. This tunneling under plants can lead to wilting or even death due to lack of water. Feeds on anything, especially if sweet. These ants often climb into plants and 'milk' (stroke) aphids for their honeydew (they will bite the wings off aphids to prevent them migrating). When an ant finds food, it lays a scent (pheromone) trail to its nest for other workers to follow. In July and August, winged adults emerge for mating migration flights.

All Pests and Diseases