Huge Black Ants

(Question)

The ants have been there for years but now seem to be overwhelmingly everywhere, on the house and all over the yard. They also have developed a huge underground nest under and for several feet around the trees as well. How do I get rid of the ants? sun/shade, trees along driveway, clay soil in North York Ontario

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto master gardeners with your inquiry concerning your ant infestation.

Ants prefer dry, well-drained soil in an undisturbed, low traffic area. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has approved the use of borax as well as diatomaceous earth, which is available at your local garden centre.

At this time of year we receive numerous questions concerning the best strategy to employ. You may be interested in a few of our earlier posts which list a number acceptable strategies:

Thyme and Ants

Removal of ant colony in a lawn

Ant infestation

Good Luck!