How do I get rid of ant hills in my New Brunswick lawn?

Ant hills in New Brunswick lawns are primarily built by common pavement ants and field ants, and while they are a nuisance that creates unsightly mounds and uneven surfaces, the ants themselves are actually beneficial insects that aerate soil and control other pest populations. The sandy, well-drained soils common in coastal NB areas near Moncton and Saint John are particularly attractive to ant colonies, though hills can appear in any NB lawn.

The small cone-shaped mounds of fine soil that appear on your lawn — typically 2-6 inches tall — are excavated material from underground tunnel systems that can extend 2-4 feet deep. Ant activity in NB peaks from late May through September when colonies are most active, and you will often see a surge of new hills after rain as ants clear waterlogged tunnels. In most cases, a few ant hills scattered across a lawn are not worth treating and can simply be raked flat before mowing.

For moderate infestations that are affecting lawn quality, start with the least invasive approaches. Rake the hills flat regularly and the ants may eventually relocate to a less disturbed location. Pouring a large pot of boiling water (3-4 litres) directly into the centre of each mound can eliminate individual colonies without any chemicals — repeat over 2-3 days to catch ants that were deep in the tunnels. This method is effective on about 60% of treated mounds. Diatomaceous earth (food grade) sprinkled on and around active mounds dehydrates ants that walk through it and is safe for pets and children — available at garden centres across NB for $10-15 per bag.

Borax-based bait stations are the most effective long-term solution because worker ants carry the bait back to the queen, eventually eliminating the entire colony. Mix 1 tablespoon of borax with 1 cup of sugar and enough water to make a paste, place small amounts near active mounds in shallow containers, and protect from rain. This method takes 1-3 weeks to show results but eliminates colonies at the source. Commercial ant bait products ($8-15) use the same principle and are available at NB hardware stores. Under New Brunswick's cosmetic pesticide restrictions, most synthetic insecticide sprays cannot be used on lawns for ant control alone.

To discourage ants from colonizing your lawn, maintain thick, healthy turf through regular fertilization and overseeding — ants prefer thin, sparse lawns with dry, exposed soil. Core aeration in September followed by topdressing with compost creates a denser turf that is less inviting to colony establishment. Keep your lawn well-watered during dry periods, as ants strongly prefer dry soil conditions. If ants are entering your home from lawn colonies near the foundation, seal entry points with caulk and create a 12-inch gravel border between your foundation and lawn to discourage nesting near the house. For severe infestations with dozens of mounds, a professional pest management service ($150-300) can provide targeted treatment within NB's regulatory framework.

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