A natural, non-chemical way to deal with persistent ant nests in lawns, borders, and patios — using microscopic beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) that ants find intolerable to live alongside. Apply once, keep the soil moist for a fortnight, and the colony moves on of its own accord. No pesticides, no residue, no risk to children, pets, bees, or wildlife.

How it works

Ant nematodes are tiny parasitic worms that occur naturally in healthy soil. The species used here, Steinernema feltiae, is harmless to plants, mammals, birds, and beneficial insects — but ants find their presence in the nest area unbearable. Within days of application, the colony begins relocating. Within two weeks, established nests are typically abandoned entirely.

Importantly, this treatment doesn't kill the ants. They simply move on. That makes it a genuinely benign solution for gardeners who want to rid a particular area of an ant problem (a vegetable bed, a patio, a path being lifted by a colony underneath) without resorting to ant powders, sprays, or boiling water — all of which kill indiscriminately and harm the wider soil ecosystem.

Effective against the three common UK garden ant species: black ants, red ants, and yellow ants.

When to apply

Nematodes are live organisms and need warm, moist soil to be effective. The application window is:

• April to September — when soil temperature stays above 10°C even at night and ant activity is visible above ground
• Avoid: late autumn, winter, and early spring when soils are too cold
• Best timing: at the first sign of ant activity, before the colony is well established for the season

Apply in the cooler part of the day — late afternoon or early evening is ideal — so the nematodes aren't sitting in direct sun while you're watering them in.

How to use

1. Water the area first — soil must be moist before application, not dry.
2. Mix the pack in a watering can with cool (not warm) water, following the instructions on the pack.
3. Apply evenly over the treated area, using a coarse rose or removing the rose entirely for fast flow.
4. Water in well after application.
5. Keep the soil moist for at least two weeks. This is critical — if the soil dries out, the nematodes die before doing their work. In dry weather, water lightly every few days.
6. Lawn use is safe immediately after application — children, pets, and visitors can walk on the treated area straight away.

Pack sizes

• Small — treats approximately 10 sqm. Sized for cottage gardens, a problem patio area, a specific nest cluster, or one or two affected borders.
• Large — treats a larger area, suitable for full lawn treatment or multiple problem zones across a bigger plot.

Most gardeners with a contained ant problem find the Small pack covers what they need. The Large is for whole-lawn treatment or repeat applications across the season.

Critical: storage and freshness

Nematodes are live organisms with a limited shelf life from the date of manufacture. As soon as your pack arrives:

• Refrigerate immediately until you're ready to apply. The fridge keeps them dormant.
• Use within 2-3 weeks of receipt — check the expiry date marked on the pack.
• Don't freeze — freezing kills them.
• Don't leave on a warm windowsill or in a hot car — high temperatures kill them quickly.

For this reason, we dispatch nematode orders promptly and recommend timing your purchase so you can apply within a few days of receipt.

Safety

Ant nematodes are biological controls naturally present in healthy soil and are accepted in organic gardening practice. They're safe for:

• Children and pets — treated lawn safe immediately
• Wildlife, including birds and hedgehogs
• Bees and other beneficial pollinators
• Edible crops — suitable for use around fruit and vegetables
• Aquatic life — safe near ponds, but avoid direct application to water

An honest note before you buy

Nematodes are live biological products and cannot be returned. Please order only when you're ready to apply within the next few days, and ensure you have moist soil and suitable weather conditions for treatment.