How do Ants Build Anthills?

What is an ant mound?

An ant mound is a structure built by ants, typically made of soil, sand, or other materials that the ants excavate while creating their underground colony. It has three major purposes. The mound serves as the entrance to the below-ground nest. It also helps control the nest’s internal temperature. Additionally, any mounds help protect the nest from predators or other intruders that might damage or destroy the nest.

Not all ant species create large ant mounds. Some ants build smaller ant craters like the craters between concrete gaps and asphalt slabs that pavement ants build. Some common mound-building ant species are harvester ants, pyramid ants, Argentine ants, Allegheny mound ants, Texas leafcutter ants, and red imported fire ants. Mounds are one of the most obvious indications that an ant colony is present. However, what you see above ground represents only a small portion of what occurs with overall construction of the ant nest.

How are ant mounds built?

Ant mounds are built by worker ants that remove below ground soil they excavate during tunneling and nest chamber construction. That soil is then deposited above ground, thus forming the mound.

How to Get Rid of Ant Mounds in the Yard

In addition to bites and stings, the presence of ants and their mounds may include damage to landscape grasses and ground cover, and an overall reduction to the property’s aesthetics. To effectively get rid of ant mounds in your yard, consider the following methods:

• Boiling Water: One of the simplest methods is to pour boiling water directly onto the ant mound. This method can kill many ants instantly and disrupt the nest. For best results, use 2 to 3 gallons of boiling water and soak the mound thoroughly.

• Flatten the Mound: Using a rake or shovel to flatten the ant hill can deter ants from returning. This method disrupts their nesting area and signals that it's no longer a safe location.

• Boric Acid Bait: Mix equal parts of boric acid with sugar and water, then place the mixture in small containers near active ant trails. The sugar attracts ants, while the boric acid kills them after ingestion.

• Dish Soap Solution: A mixture of dish soap and water can be poured into the ant holes. This method suffocates ants and is less harmful to your lawn compared to chemical treatments.

• Flooding: Using a garden hose to flood the mound can displace soil and drown many ants inside. A steady stream of water for several minutes is recommended for this method.

• Professional Pest Control: If the problem persists despite these efforts, contacting a pest control professional may be a necessary next step. They’ll have the tools and expertise to handle stubborn infestations.

Choose the method that works best for your situation—and if the ants keep coming back, don’t hesitate to call an Orkin Pro!

Learn More About Ants

Do Ants Carry Disease?

Ants can carry harmful pathogens, spreading them to food and surfaces, which poses serious public health risks.

Do Ants Eat Termites?

Ants naturally prey on termites, feeding on them for protein and reducing competition for resources like nesting spots.

What Causes Flying Ants In Your House?

Seeing flying ants in your home is a sign of an ant swarm. These winged males and females are leaving their nest to mate and start new colonies.

Can Ants Smell?

Ants have an exceptional sense of smell, using specialized sensory organs on their antennae to find food, locate mates, and communicate through pheromones.