By Matt Giese, M.S., technical services manager, Syngenta See recommendations
The turfgrass ant (Lasius neoniger) is a major nuisance pest on golf courses across much of the U.S. This ant is especially problematic on golf putting greens where it builds volcano-shaped mounds that are 2-4 in. in diameter. The mounds disrupt ball roll, while the excavated soil smothers the closely mowed turf canopy. The soil and sand in these mounds can also rapidly dull mower blades.
 | | Source: Matt Giese, 2021, Syngenta |
These ants live and work in interconnected burrows and chambers that are 10-15 in. deep in the soil. As they build different nest entrances, mounds are formed from the material the ants bring to the surface. The number of mounds can increase significantly during early spring to midsummer as the colony grows. Timing applications when colonies are small, weak and food sources are limited — typically early spring and late fall — tends to have greatest success for colony collapse.
Acelepryn® Xtra insecticide is powered by the active ingredients in Acelepryn and Meridian® 25WG insecticide to deliver long-lasting, broad-spectrum insect control, including season-long control of grubs, billbugs and caterpillars, plus enhanced chinch bug control. It also offers control of ants leading to greater flexibility and fewer applications. - Scimitar® GC insecticide and Acelepryn Xtra for ants
- Rate: 10 fl. oz./A of Scimitar GC + 20 fl. oz./A of Acelepryn Xtra
- Timing: Apply when mounds are first observed
- Combining Scimitar GC and Acelepryn Xtra offers immediate knockdown of ants and season-long control of white grubs, among other insect pests
- Proper treatment should include satellite mounds approximately 30 ft. outside of the target site
- Application should be watered in once spray solution has dried on the foliage
- Can provide control up to eight weeks depending on timing and soil type
 | Download the ant control bulletin for more information about how you can control ants with your Acelepryn Xtra application to control grubs, leps, billbugs, chinch bugs and more. |
Since nesting areas may not be located on greens or tees, applications should include treatment of up to 30 ft. of turf surrounding these surfaces. Treatment considerations should also be given to fairways, roughs, approaches and collars as these are popular nesting areas.
 You can read more about turfgrass ant mound concentration on golf course in Golf Course Management Magazine’s article on turfgrass ants.
Incorporating a granular bait into ant management programs
Granular baits that are highly attractive to turfgrass ants can be a useful rotational tool to reduce ant mounding in golf course turfgrass. Advion® Insect granular bait contains the active ingredient, indoxacarb, and has a 2(ee) recommendation for control of turfgrass ants in golf course turf. It can be applied as a broadcast application or uniformly around individual mounds. Advion Insect granular bait is available in a convenient 1-lb. shaker bottle for easy spot-treatment applications or a 12-lb. bag that treats over 2.5 acres of turf at broadcast rates. Recommendations - Time applications when colonies are small/weakened and food sources are limited (early spring and late fall) as this tends to have greater success rates of colony collapse and control.
- Treat the playing surface (e.g., tee, green or fairway) and outside the affected area well off the playing surface and into the rough as mounds found on short-cut turf are often satellite (sub-nest) mounds created by the worker ants of the colonies.
- Use broadcast or mound treatment applications of granular baits to supplement or extend spray applications targeting ant mound reduction. Advion Insect granular bait can reduce turfgrass ant mounding for up to four weeks.
- For optimal control, allow adequate time for ants to forage for the bait after application before mowing or using irrigation.
Managing turfgrass ants - Scimitar GC and Meridian 25WG
- Rate: 10 fl. oz./A of Scimitar GC + 17 oz./A of Meridian 25WG
- Timing: apply when mounds are first observed
- Combining Scimitar GC and Meridian 25WG offers immediate knockdown and long-term control of ants and white grubs
- Proper treatment should include satellite mounds approximately 30 ft. outside of the target site
- Application should be watered in once spray solution has dried on the foliage
- Can provide control up to eight weeks depending on timing and soil type
- Gradual control — may take as long as four weeks to see results when using only Meridian 25WG
Turfgrass ant control on a golf course fairway
Source: S. McDonald, Turfgrass Disease Solutions 2023. Single application July, 14, 2023.
For more information about managing turfgrass ants, contact your local Syngenta territory manager. Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations. Trials reflect treatment rates commonly recommended in the marketplace. Syngenta hereby disclaims any liability for Third Party websites referenced herein. © 2025 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Syngenta supports a FIFRA Section 2(ee) recommendation for control of turfgrass. Please see the Section 2(ee) recommendation to confirm that the recommendation is applicable in your state. The Section 2(ee) recommendation for Advion Insect Granular bait should be in the possession of the user at the time of application. Scimitar GC is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Acelepryn®, Advion®, Meridian®, Scimitar® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective third-party owners. |