UPDATED: April 25, 2019.

When it comes to grass maintenance and care practices, mowing isn’t the end as many lawn owners tend to think. Trained landscapers do more to preserve dense folder in the lawn and other plantations in resting parks, soccer pitches, golf courses, and homesteads. For efficient nutrients intake, air flow, and water seepage, to and from the soil, there is the need to plug, core, or spike the soil regularly.

It is a query of whether you’re aerating your grass unconventionally; something which requires an upgrade to the best pull behind plug aerator. The cost might be an issue for some lawn owners, but that won’t be a problem anymore if you finish reading our guide and review of pull behind aerators.

Let’s get started, shall we?

Pull Behind Plug Aerator Top Pick for 2019

Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator

Buy from Amazon

This pull behind plug aerator is the ideal choice for people who need a big machine. The tool handles the toughest of turfs and even work effectively on uneven ground to give you value for money. You can easily attach the cantilever transport system of this aerator to your ATV or lawn mower in a few seconds through the universal hitch. The best thing, you don’t require any tool to do this.

The tool opens compacted soil and penetrates thatch by removing plugs from the surface to enable moisture and air to reach your lawn’s roots as you move it. Penetrating the soil is very easy thanks to its 32 robust galvanized spikes (4 on every one of its eight spools).

These rust-free spikes are easy to operate from the driver’s seat via ergonomically installed transport handle. To guarantee an efficient soil penetration, this tool comes with a 48 inches weight tray. This tray holds up to 175 lbs of weight. The capacity to added additional weight on the machine make sure that the spikes can penetrate even further and harder turfs.

You can easily adjust the aeration depth to 3 inches and this tool will give you years of service without needing to worry about the surface you use it on to aerate. The product comes with durable 10 inches by 4 inches pneumatic flat-tires that enable smooth movement even on rough surfaces and they don’t require any maintenance.

Pros

• Easy to assemble.
• Works effectively.
• A well-built product.

Con

• Hard to actuate the lever from the driver’s seat.

Brinly BS-38BH Sleeve Hitch 38 Inches Tow Behind Box Scraper

Buy from Amazon

This is yet another tow behind aerator that offers all-around garden services for landscaping, yard work, and gardening. It is effective in doing different chores such as removing roots, removing debris, leveling yards, and spreading gravel and topsoil or backfilling holes. This is all possible due to its versatile attachments and the ease of operation as well as efficiency.

It is very easy to remove its scarifier bar and side plates to make it a rare blade which is perfect for backfilling grading, or moving dirt, sand, snow, gravel. With BS-38BH, you will get the most project done with just one machine.

The scarper boasts of 38 inches working width which is perfect for gardening and landscaping and it’s easy to move it through tight corners and spaces. The product needs a sleeve hitch to work effectively, which is sold separately by the manufacturer.

With its durable construction, this tool is worth your money and you won’t need to break a bank to get it.

Pros

• Offers all-round garden services.
• A very effective tool.
• Very easy to maneuver.

Con

• Doesn’t come with a sleeve hitch.

Brinly PA-40BH 40 Inches Tow Behind Plug Aerator

Buy from Amazon

This product is slightly smaller than the Fab 45-0299 and cannot handle as much weight. However, it is a great choice for a person who wants the same kind of quality results but wants a smaller tool and who doesn’t have an uneven surface to work on.

The product features 24 solid plug spoons that penetrate up to 3 inches of compacted soil. It is an efficient performer product that decompresses the turf and breaks via tough thatch to enable water, nutrients, and air to penetrate the lawn’s root.

Another notable feature of this tool is the 3 independently rotating parts that contain 24 main points made of 16 gauges steel. It also comes with a durable weight tray which offers maximum support for the additional weight of about 150lbs, so the tool can penetrate even further and harder surfaces.

Unlike the Fab’s tray which is open, the Brinly tray is closed to ensure that the weight doesn’t fall off when moving on an uneven surface and at high speeds. This feature helps to enhance the effectiveness of this tool on soil that is compact, full of deep thatch, or uneven hard clay.

The product is quite durable and is constructed from durable and high-quality materials. In addition, each of the 16 gauges is rust-resistant and can be replaced individually in case one gets damaged – very affordable to replace. Finally, the tool comes with 10.5 inches by 3.5 inches semi-pneumatic wheels which last longer, even when being used on turf terrains.

Pros

• Penetrates hard surfaces.
• Very sturdy construction.
• Moves through sidewalks and driveways easily.

Con

• Takes time to assemble.

Brinly SAT-40BH 40 Inches Tow Behind Spike Aerator

Buy from Amazon

The SAT-40BH is designed to assist you to achieve healthy, lush, and green lawn with minimal effort. It will help you ineffective watering, fertilizing, and seeding of your lawn regardless of the time of the year.

This spiked tool can work on the compacted soil to give you the chance to poke holes of your desired length in the soil. Through this, oxygen, water, and nutrients will penetrate to the root system of your garden. With that said, this product is mainly designed for minor and moderate soil compaction.

If you are having problems seeding or fertilizing in spring or fall, this will be your best bet aerator. The best thing, the tool is made with wheels that move smoothly even on rough grounds. It will be easier and simpler to cross driveways and paths with this aerator.

Another notable thing about this machine is the 11 tine stars which are constructed of galvanized steel. Therefore, in addition to penetrating turf, this tool will last for years since it’s rust-free. The product also comes with a tray made of durable steel. The tray holds about 100 pounds of additional weight.

While aerating, the aerator is made with a handle that will keep the raised spikes in that position as you move across the hard areas of your lawn.

Pros

• Very easy to operate.
• Can work without wheels.
• Perfect for aerating before seeding.

Con

• Wheels fall off

Brinly SA-40BH 40 Inches Tow Behind Spike Aerator

Buy from Amazon

This product allows you to spread granular material while you aerate your garden. Its heavy-duty aerator penetrates the surface while the drop spreader spreads fertilizer, lime, or seed into the surface where it functions fast and won’t get washed away.

This effective machine is made of durable tubular steel material and drawbars that ensure it last for years. The aerator also comes with a 100lbs capacity tray which is constructed of 18 gauges all welded material to minimize flexing and twisting when loaded. The tool’s 8 inches galvanized steel tine stars remain sharp, don’t rust, and penetrates at least 2 inches to enable air and fertilizer to reach the grass’ root.

Another feature of this tool is the flow control which features an adjustable stop to facilitate the right spread pattern with no waste. The tine spikes are rust-free and do a great job in perforating the surface to provide access for nutrients and air to the roots. What you will love about this machine is the tow tube design as well as the solid tine shaft which provides maximum reliability.

Pros

• Durable drawbars and tubular steel framing.
• Very easy to assemble.
• 2-in-1 design aerates the lawn and drops fertilizer or seed.

Con

• The top lever needs improvement.

Agri-Fab 45-0474 SmartLink plug Aerator

Buy from Amazon

In a bid to offer you with a range of options, Agri-fab provided the SmartLink Plug Aerator. Its price is one of the best on the market today and it offers a lot of great features as you will see.

It offers you proper plugging. This means that there is an improvement of nutrient and water penetration to the furthest of roots for healthier grass. This product is also great for a person looking for a unit that will enhance air circulation.

You can easily mount this tool on a master platform; the best thing, you don’t need to assemble or disassemble anything. The product features aluminum galvanization on the spikes to ensure that they last longer. Another key feature of this unit is that it is recommended for loosening compacted soil and comes with a three-year warranty.

Pros

• Has a 3-year warranty.
• Features galvanized aluminum.
• Improves air circulation.

Con

• Not as effective as Fab 45.

Our Recommendation of Tow Behind Aerator

From the factors we have looked above of the features of the best aerators, we can conclude that the Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator amongst the best tools out there. It has some great features such as a large size of 48 inches, able to penetrate the compacted soil, has 32 galvanized spikes, has a tray of 175 labs, and comes with pneumatic flat-tires.

What is Aerating?

This is the process of loosing tough and compacted soil. You may use a core aerator – it removes small lumps of soil or uses a spike aerator – it forms holes in the soil without removing any soil. You may aerate your soil manually using a machine or attach it to your mower.

Other alternatives include a push-style aerator, just like a push lawn mower. You can even use a hand-held aerator to aerator a small lawn; it does the same job as a large aerator.

You will be thrilled to learn that there are even aerator shoes which you can wear and walk around your lawn. They have spikes.

All these tools vary in the scale of their operation. Today we will be looking at aerators that are attached to the back of a mower or vehicles.

Signs that You Require a Push Behind Aerator

You will require the best aerator if you see the following signs:

• Your lawn is flooded with water after a downpour.
• You have been driving on your lawn with your car regularly.
• It is hard to stick something into the soil, such as a pencil.
• You have clay soil and is hard.
• You can see bare grass.

Choosing the Best Pull Behind Plug Aerator

You wouldn’t want to spend your money on tools that will fail the moment they hit the ground by failing to work because of functionality glitches and hitches or breaking after a week of use. For these and other issues, you need to consider the features and factors of the best aerating tools.

For instance, you might want to weigh the possibility of a machine serving its work efficiently. Also, how efficient is the tool itself? Well, here are some top considerations you should make before you settle on a specific aerator.

Aerator Size

Here, there are lots of questions that you need to answer. For instance, what is the perfect size of an aerator for your lawn? What is the right size of the spikes; depth and diameter? The right answer will lend credibility to the best tow behind machine because it will cover a broad area of your backyard and help you to finish the task within the shortest time possible.

Ease of movement

Movement is also called maneuverability. Your machine needs to move across your lawn with ease. It means that you need to consider the design of its wheels, something which is often ignored. Can the machine move via narrow spaces? Can it take sharp corners with ease?

Durability

Think about this. You buy an aerator only for it to develop some mechanical problems after 2 days of use. It won’t give you value for your money, which is a vital factor to consider when buying anything. A machine that features a firm body like steel; reinforced or galvanized, equals durability.

Cost

For many decades, the cost has been a determining factor when making buying decisions. However, the concern is; would you go for an expensive aerator or a cheap one? There are mixed reactions to this query, but the fact that buyers always equate high-quality to high price often sways their mind.

Of important, you need to note that cheap can be expensive, but this isn’t always true when it comes to pull-behind aerators.

Money-back guarantee and warranty

Most people hardly think twice when buying machines, especially if they get an affordable one. However, keen buyers will always ask or check out for warranties before they purchase the tool. But why do you need a warranty?

Well, pull behind aerators that offer warranties are sweet in all essence. First, you don’t need to worry about design or manufacturing faults for almost 3 years. Secondly, all costs of repair will be footed by the supplier, seller, or manufacturer, which means that you won’t spend even a penny for almost three years in case of faults.

When it comes to the money-back guarantee, you get a free trial period, of about 30 days, during which you will know if the product is right for your lawn or not. During this period, you can return it and ask for a refund or request for a replacement if the aerator doesn’t meet your needs.

Load capacity

The other critical factor that you should consider when looking for a tow-behind aerator is the load capacity. Here, you need to ask how much additional load the machine can add. Does it have a space for this load? Having a space for extra weight means that your tool will penetrate deeper when aerating.

What is the Purpose of Lawn Aerator?

An aerator is a landscaping machine designed to make small holes in your lawn or the soil under the grass. This process naturally, safely, and easily amends compacted soil which had been compressed by pressure from vehicles or traffic such as riding mowers or cars.

Compaction is common with loam and clay soil types, although sandy soil can also become compacted.  A pull behind lawn aerator loosens this soil, with hundreds of positive results including:

• The soil become easier to till and dig.
• Water puddling and runoff are reduced.
• Nutrients, air, and water penetrate the soil faster to nourish your lawn.
• Your lawn is better-looking and healthier.
• Drought and heat tolerance are boosted.

Lawn Aerating Tips

Here are some important tips on lawn aerating:

• Aerate your lawn at least once per year if it experiences heavy traffic; otherwise aerating every 2^nd year is sufficient.
• The perfect time to aerate your lawn is during the spring or fall growing season. Aerate lawns with warm season grass in spring or summer, and cool season grass in autumn or spring.
• A lawn grown from turf installation can benefit from regular aeration to break up tough layers.
• Choose a tow-behind aerator that will remove plugs 2 to 3 inches deep and 0.5 to ¾ inch diameter.
• Use your lawn tool on moist soil – a day after rainfall or watering – for the best results.
• Overseed after aeration to fill any patchy area of grass. Follow up with fertilization and watering.
• Consult an expert to arrange a regular lawn care timetable as well as aeration treatment.

The Dos and Don’ts of Soil Compaction

First the dos:

• Ensure that the soil is compacted – you don’t need to aerate an uncompacted
• Dig holes before aeration to measure moisture friability and content.
• Use narrow, sharp, and long blades to provide the best penetration and volume of the soil.
• Change the depth of penetration by removing or adding weights.
• Work about 5 cm below the bottom of the compacted soil.
• Ensure that the leading discs are in line with time legs to prevent sward tear.

The don’ts:

• Aerate in extremely wet soil as it will lead to damage and smearing of the soil.
• Aerate in extremely dry conditions because the tines won’t penetrate effectively.
• Go above a 5-10 degrees tine offset as it will damage the sward.
• Travel too fast – 1-2km/h is ideal for sufficient penetration.
• Use over 6 cm sward heights as this will damage the sward.
• Use on soil with no drainage system.

Lawn Aerators FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to dethatch?

A: Yes. Inorganic and dead material on top of the surface prevents the flow of nutrients and water into the soil. Dethatching removes these deposits to ensure that the minerals access the root system. Ensure that you don’t dethatch below 2 inches.

Q: Which one is better; plug or spikes?

A:  Although both works almost the same way, a plug removes the soil instead of compacting it. Therefore, many people prefer plugs.

Q: What is the difference between aerators and a scarifier?

A: A scarifier looks like a spike aerator because it has spikes. It removes organic material from the top of the soil (dethatching) while an aerator digs holes in the surface to enhance the flow of nutrients, water, and air.

Q: How can I keep my pull-behind aerator in top shape?

A: This is a matter of servicing and maintaining it. You can easily DIY or hire a professional to do it for you.

Q: What should I do before I aerate my lawn?

A: Before you move your pull behind tool to your backyard, we would recommend you prepare the surface. Since you will be driving in front, you will not see any obstacle that might hinder smooth movement of your aerator.

Round-Up

To aerate your backyard, you need to have the best pull behind plug aerator. It opens the soil surface enabling your lawn to receive moisture and air required for healthy growth. With that said, always remember that soil often get compacted in early spring and late summer.

UPDATED: April 25, 2019.

Professionals cannot seem to rest the debate of T5 vs T8 Grow Lights and state why one is better than the other. So, in this post, we will try to look at the main similarities and differences between these two grow lights in order to give you an opportunity of making an informed decision in case you decide to buy one.

What Are Grow Lights?

A grow light is a multi-tasking light bulb that replicates the energy and impact of UV rays or sunlight exposure to plants in all stages of the plants’ life. This light enables the user to grow plants indoors or in locations with poor weather conditions.

What Is The T?

The T is simply a code that identifies the size of the bulb. It designates the level of energy efficiency and the lamp tube diameter.

T5 vs T8 Grow Lights: Which Is Better?

We will consider different features and factors in order to determine which the better grow light is between the T5 and the T8.

1. Quality of Light/ Efficiency

The T5 grow light edges out the T8 grow light when it comes to the efficiency of these lamps. The T5 has a better lumen to watt ratio, meaning that its output is more powerful and brighter per single watt of energy than the T8 does. The other thing that makes the T5 the better light when it comes to efficiency is because its light is more focused and concentrated in a single spot due to its smaller diameter (this means more watts/cubic centimeter).

Due to providing more watts/cubic centimeter, T5 grow light is preferred for plants that are about to flower because they need more intense light. Another argument that makes T5 the better light for flowering is that since the T8 bulb is less powerful; you will need to put it closer to your plants in order to provide the same results as T5.

However, if we look at the actual quality of the light, the T8 becomes the better lump since it has less glare and hence, more qualitative for home use and almost the same for growing plants. T5 light is stronger and brighter than T8 but with lots of glare.

Tip To Help You Out: Here is a little comparison to help you understand the difference in T5 and T8 efficiency. A 4 lamp HO T5 light can be used as an ordinary 400W metal halide whereas a T8 light will require a 6 lamp one.

2. Heat and Temperature

If you assume that T5 and T8 bulb are of the same size (which is not possible), then the heat they produce is almost equal, however, the bulbs themselves will have different intensity of heat. The T8 grow light is cooler and hence safer to touch because its heat is produced from a larger area making it heat up less compared to T5 (which is smaller).

And if these lights are hot, the T5 bulb is highly likely to kill your plants if they touch it compared to T8. Again, your plants can be near the T8 bulb since it is cooler and still feel comfortable. But you should note that the T8 bulb isn’t 100% cool; it is impossible.

When it comes to the temperature, these bulbs can be operated in any kind of temperature, making them last longer especially if they are of high-quality. The important thing to note is that T8 works efficiently at 28 degrees Celsius while T5 works efficiently at 35 degrees Celsius, a difference of 7 degrees.

Tip To Help You Out: You should get the T5 grow light if you can place it 4-8 inches above the plant (get the T8 if space is less). With that said, you can still place your T5 bulb below 4 inches if your room is well ventilated and remember to water your plants regularly (this will also enable you to move the T8 further).

3. Spectrum/ Color Rendering

Color rendering of T5 and T8 are almost the same, so when it comes to spectrums, they are almost the same. However, you need to remember that it doesn’t mean that their brightness will be the same since the T5 is brighter than the T8 and there are different models that provide full spectrum or primarily blue/red spectrum light.

So, we would recommend you to note the temperature of the bulb you want to purchase.

4. Lifespan

These bulbs have almost an equal lifespan. If you apply the 12/12 light cycle, they will both last for about 36,000hrs. However, the T5 grow light is more durable in its lifespan as well as degradation. The T8 model is more sensitive to frequent off/on switching and this will reduce its lifespan significantly.

A reduced lifespan of T8 due to frequent on/off switching means that you will need to replace it regularly and hence use more money – it will be more expensive than buying the T5. Note that, it will be cheaper to buy the T8 if you intend to install it in a place that requires light 24/7; it will last just like the T5.

5. Use

When it comes to the use, the T8 was mainly used for cuttings and seedlings in gardening as well as other agricultural places. The T5 was mainly used by aquarium owners. However, both of these lights are today used and can be used to grow plants for commercial purpose and at home and also provide superb side lighting in the greenhouse.

So, you can only be limited by your imagination when it comes to how you can use these two fluorescent tubes.

6. Price

If you are looking for a cheaper light, T8 is your best bet. But they almost cost the same, with T5 being just slightly more expensive.

7. Size

A T8 grow light has a diameter that is roughly the same size as a $.05 nickel while a T5 model is similar to a $.10 dime. Therefore, the T5 is smaller than the T8.

Verdict

The T5 vs T8 grow lights debate cannot be solved exhaustively. These lights have both similarities and differences which make it impossible to choose the better light of the two. Know your need before you choose a specific model.

Read More:

Top 10 Best Cordless String Trimmer Reviews & Guide 2019

Based on the amazing features that a bed provides for your garden, you would be forgiven for assuming that creating a beautiful bed using garden sleepers is difficult. On the contrary, it is very easy. The easiness of laying sleepers is because of the reliable and robust nature of these structures, whether they are new or recycled versions.

Sleepers are perfect for creating garden edgings since they can be can lay in a single height, either on their edge or flat. Alternatively, you can secure them or stack them.

In this article, we will look at how to lay sleeper for garden edging following simple steps.

Things That You Might Require

You might need the following tools when working on your garden sleeper.

• Spirit level – for ensuring that all the levels are right.
• Saw – the sleepers might be thick and require some form of trimming. A good saw will do the job.
• Screwdriver – for screwing the screws in (a crosshead model is recommended).
• Hammer – for knocking the nails in.
• PPE (goggles, gloves) – safety should always be your number one concern when working on anything.

Step by Step Guide

Here are the steps that you should follow when laying your sleepers for garden edging.

1. Find the Ideal Location

First thing first, you need to determine the perfect location for your bed. For raised beds, you have the freedom to choose a central location within your yard. However, note that level beds should be placed against the edges of your garden area to protect them and facilitate easy movement.

With a raised option, you can choose a true center in the middle of your yard, complement a seating place or position your bed against a corner or wall. The options are only limited in your mind when it comes to laying garden sleepers. For us, we want to position our raised bed at the edge.

2. Lay the Sleepers on the Surface

Place your sleepers on the surface in a rectangular or square shape, with the sleepers touching at the 90-degree corners (as if you are creating a picture frame; only that it’s huge). These sleepers should be placed on a ground that is firm and level.

Most people just lay them down on the grass, earth, concrete, or deck. Engineers or perfectionists will probably advise you to lay a foundation of hardcore or concrete, but many people go for the quick and simple option.

The advantage of laying hardcore is that it allows drainage of a raised bed, otherwise, you might end up having a raised pond.

3. Fasten the Sleepers Together

Fasten your sleepers together with sleeper screws. If you have laid your sleepers on the surface on their slim edge, then just fasten them together at the 90-degree corners, enabling at least 2 inches or 50mm of the screw to cross over to the other sleeper. At least 2 screws per corner are enough to create a solid structure.

If you have laid the sleepers on the surface on their broader edge, then again, fasten them at the 90-degree corner, enabling at least 2 inches of the screw to cross over to the neighboring sleeper. You will definitely need to fasten through more of the wider sleeper edge than if you used the narrow edge.

The only benefit of using the wider edge is that if you want to add another layer, you won’t need to fix it to the first layer. You only need to lay it on top (overlapping the joints) and simply fasten through the top layer into the lower layer.

Repeat the process until you get the right number of layers. You now have a structure that is joined, and you can easily pick it up as a single structure.

4. Insert a Plastic Membrane

Some people insert a plastic membrane on the inner side of the bed, creating a barrier between the sleeper and the wet soil. Sometimes, hobbyist use high-quality plastic waste bags, professionals use thicker high-quality plastic that doesn’t degrade when it touches the soil.

5. Finishing Off

When you have attained your preferred height and inserted the membrane, you should trim any unwanted end and plane sharp corners and edges, especially if you have kids who use this area. In addition, ensure that you treat any cut or exposed surfaces with the right wood preservative.

6. Fill Your Bed With Soil

Like we said, it might be wise to put bricks, hardcore, and stones inside your bed before you fill it with manure or topsoil to encourage drainage. Many people construct these kinds of beds to hide or get rid of unwanted bits of rubble.

The best thing about using these beds is that you can easily fill them with any kind of soil that best suits your plant. For example, lime hating rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, and camellias require acid soil.

Remember that these types of beds are more prone to losing minerals and nutrients faster than the other type of beds. Therefore, a mix of 50% substitute compost or peat with additional fertilizer and 50% of garden soil should provide you with an effective result for your sleeper bed.

You should consider topping up your bed with compost and soil again after one year.

Additionally, in order to improve the moisture retention of your sleeper bed, you can insert a top layer of your likings such as pebbles, bark, or wood chip. The soil in your bed might take a while before it settles and might even need topping up – this can take years, so consider planting vegetables or annual plants before you plant more permanent plants.

7. Fill With Plants

This is the fun part. Fill in your bed with your plant and remember that your bed might take a while before its soil settles.

Conclusion

Learning how to lay sleeper for garden edging is very easy. All you need is to set aside a few hours of your busy schedule and you will create a superb bed.

Ants are undeniably some of the most amazing creatures. With huge, complex communities, fungus-farming ability, and an empire that spans the entire world, it’s a blessing that these creatures are so tiny and haven’t developed a collective intelligence to rival man.

During the hot season, you might have come across convoys of red ants traveling from and to in your backyard. Some might have even gatecrashed into your house in search of sweet things or anything they can store for the cold season.

Like the majority of garden pest, red ants will mostly do their chores without disturbing you. However, in case they become an irritant, it’s time to learn how to get rid of red ants in your garden and home.

What Are Red Ants?

There are different species of ants that wear the color red. Most of the time, people call red-colored ants red ants since they don’t know the right name. However, the ant that is commonly referred to as a red ant is indeed the Red Imported Fire Ant or RIFA. The Spanish call it hormiga fuego or hormiga colorada while the Portuguese call it formiga de fogo or wash foot ant or formiga lava-pe.

How Do Gardens Get Red Ants?

If the red ants in your garden are real fire ants, it is highly likely that favorable weather conditions such as warm weather have attracted them. Wide open yards with lots of sunlight typically have issues with red ants.

These creatures might also visit your garden because of the availability of grass sod or infested nursery plants.

Getting Rid of Red Ants

Since these creatures’ colonies usually occupy a few properties, controlling and preventing them can be a difficult endeavor. However, there are some things that you can do to get rid of these ants.

Natural Methods

When eradicating red ants, it is not just about spraying them sporadically with an ant killer chemical of your choice. To completely get rid of the entire colony and their threat in your yard, you need to target their source.

The following methods can eliminate ants both inside and outside their nest.

1. Use Boiling Water – The most commonly used method to eliminate red ants from a garden is through the use of boiling water. Here, you only need to target their entrances to the nest and then pour hot water inside. You will need to do this many times in order to kill all of them.
2. Use Sugar and Boric Acid – This is probably the most effective natural method of eliminating red ants from your garden. Mix sugar with boric acid until you form a paste and then place the paste around the ant’s entrances into the nest. Red ants love sugar, and so they will be attracted like a magnet to the paste – they will consume some and take some to the queen. Once they take the paste, the ants will start to die because of the boric acid.
3. Use Oil and Washing Liquid – This method is quite effective since the oil and dishwashing liquid soak into the red ant exoskeletons and deprive them air, hence suffocating them. Here, you need to mix ½ a teaspoon of washing liquid (dish soap) with 1½ teaspoons of cooking oil (canola oil and olive oil work best) with water. Once your mixture is ready, pour it into the nest and remember to leave some to spray around the nest.
4. Use White Vinegar – Pouring about one liter of white vinegar into the ants’ nest can do the trick. It won’t harm your plants, but it will kill the red ants.
5. Use Nematodes – These are microscopic worms that eat ants. They will hunt and eat them, making them to relocate their base to another land (where there is no natural predator).
6. Insect-Repelling Plants – Some plants, the one with essential oil, produce harsh smells that deter insects such as red ants from hanging around your garden.
7. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – DE is effective against most ants, both in your garden and home. You can sprinkle it around your plants or on the ants’ path. This product works effectively when the soil is dry.

Most of the natural methods listed above won’t work instantly. The activate ingredients in these methods aren’t as lethal for red ants as what professional exterminators use.

Commercial Red Ants Elimination Methods

1. Ant Killer Gel – Garden stores usually sell an ant poison that looks like a gel. This gel works like sugar mixed with boric acid. The ants eat the sweet gel then carry some to the nest for the queen. The best thing, the gel cannot harm your plants or soil.
2. Ant Killer Poison – This product is best used to kill red ants in or near your house since it can kill your plants or even change your garden chemical balance. If you decide to use this powder, ensure that you take the necessary precautions such as blocking off the ants’ area to keep them out of children and pets reach. Another measure is to spread it during the calm days to prevent the wind from spreading it around. The last thing you should note is that red ants can eventually become resistant to this poison.
3. Professional Extermination – Lastly, if none of the nine methods listed above have worked for you and the red ants’ colony is getting bigger and bigger, it might be the perfect time to consider seeking the service of a professional to eliminate them for you.

Conclusion

Killing red ants is one thing, but what you should ensure to get rid of these creatures forever is to also control their infestation. Also, note that red ants can be a danger to pets and humans; therefore, it is a good idea to hire or consult an expert before you decide to use a specific method when eliminating them. We hope you now know how to get rid of red ants from your garden and home.