So you’re dealing with ants in your lawn and wondering if that bag of fertilizer in your garage might do double duty.
Here’s the deal:
Will Fertilizer Kill Ants?
Regular fertilizer won’t kill ants. Standard lawn fertilizers are designed to feed your grass, not eliminate insects. But there’s more to this story that might surprise you.
In this guide, as a professional fertilizer production line manufacturer, I’ll show you exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to fertilizers and ant control. Plus, I’ll reveal some killer strategies that actually get results.
Why Regular Fertilizer Doesn’t Kill Ants
Let me be straight with you:
Your typical N-P-K fertilizer (that’s nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) is basically ant food, not ant poison.
Think about it this way:
Fertilizers are designed to promote growth. They’re packed with nutrients. And while ants don’t directly eat fertilizer, they’re not harmed by it either.
In fact, here’s what usually happens when you spread regular fertilizer on ant-infested areas:
- Ants continue their normal activities
- The colony remains completely unaffected
- You might even see MORE ant activity (I’ll explain why in a second)
The Meat Meal Problem
Here’s where things get interesting:
Some organic fertilizers can actually ATTRACT more ants to your yard.
I’m talking about fertilizers that contain:
- Bone meal
- Blood meal
- Feather meal
- Meat meal
One gardener shared their horror story about using an organic fertilizer with meat meal. Within days, they had “10+ ant holes at each container” and “ants everywhere.”
Why?
Because these protein-rich ingredients are like ringing the dinner bell for ants. They’re scavengers, and they LOVE protein sources.
Combination Products That Actually Work
Now here’s the good news:
There ARE products that combine fertilizer with ant-killing ingredients.
These “2-in-1” or “3-in-1” products include:
Weed and Feed Plus Fire Ant Control
Products like Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Triple Action are game-changers for Southern lawns.
This stuff:
- Fertilizes your lawn
- Kills weeds
- Eliminates fire ants
- Prevents new fire ant mounds for up to 6 months
The key ingredient? Bifenthrin or similar insecticides that target ants while the fertilizer component feeds your grass.
How These Products Work
Here’s the science:
The fertilizer portion provides standard N-P-K nutrients to your lawn. Meanwhile, the insecticide component (usually a pyrethroid) attacks the ant’s nervous system.
When ants come into contact with treated areas, they:
- Pick up the insecticide on their bodies
- Carry it back to the colony
- Spread it to other ants through contact
- Eventually reach the queen
Result? The entire colony gets wiped out.
Natural Alternatives That Keep Ants Away
Maybe you’re not keen on using chemical insecticides.
I get it.
Here are some natural approaches that actually work:
Diatomaceous Earth
This stuff is incredible.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is basically fossilized algae that’s been ground into a fine powder. To us, it feels like baby powder. To ants? It’s like walking on broken glass.
The microscopic particles:
- Damage the ant’s exoskeleton
- Cause them to dehydrate
- Kill them within 24-48 hours
Plus, it actually adds nutrients to your soil. Win-win.
Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds create a barrier ants won’t cross.
Spread them around:
- Garden bed edges
- The perimeter of patios
- Entry points to your home
The best part? You’re recycling something you’d normally throw away.
Essential Oil Barriers
Ants HATE certain smells.
Mix these with water and spray around problem areas:
- Peppermint oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Citrus oils
Lawn Care Practices That Reduce Ant Problems
Here’s something most people don’t realize:
Healthy lawns naturally resist ant infestations.
Ants prefer:
- Dry, compacted soil
- Sparse, patchy grass
- Areas with poor drainage
So the secret to long-term ant control? Proper lawn care.
Mowing and Maintenance
Keep your grass at the right height for your grass type. For most lawns, that’s 2.5-3 inches.
Why does this matter?
Taller grass:
- Shades the soil
- Retains moisture better
- Creates an environment ants don’t like
Smart Irrigation
Ants hate consistently moist soil.
Set up a regular watering schedule that keeps your lawn adequately hydrated. Not soaking wet – just consistently moist.
Pro tip: Water deeply but infrequently. This encourages deep root growth AND discourages ant nesting.
Strategic Fertilization
Here’s where we come full circle:
Regular fertilization (2-4 times per year) creates thick, healthy turf that naturally resists ant invasions.
Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer in spring and fall. Look for formulas like:
- 32-0-4
- 29-0-5
- Or similar high-N blends
When to Use Chemical Ant Control
Sometimes, you need the big guns.
If you’re dealing with:
- Fire ant infestations
- Carpenter ants near structures
- Massive colonies that natural methods can’t handle
Then targeted insecticides might be your best bet.
Application Best Practices
If you go the chemical route:
- Read the label – Seriously, every word
- Time it right – Apply when ants are most active (usually morning or evening)
- Target the source – Focus on mounds and trails
- Keep kids and pets away – Follow all safety guidelines
The Bottom Line on Fertilizers and Ants
Regular fertilizer alone won’t solve your ant problem.
But here’s what will:
- Combination products specifically designed for ant control
- Natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth
- Proper lawn care that creates an ant-resistant environment
- Targeted treatments when necessary
The best approach?
Use regular fertilization to build a healthy lawn that naturally resists ants. Then supplement with targeted control methods as needed.
Remember: A thick, healthy lawn is your best defense against ants. And that starts with proper fertilization – even if the fertilizer itself won’t kill ants.
Will fertilizer kill ants? Now you know the complete answer. Regular fertilizer won’t do the job, but the right combination of products and practices will give you the ant-free lawn you’re after.
