So Long, Sandbox Ants

What’s worse than ants in your pants? Try ants in your backyard playground and sandbox! These bugs can quickly make a home in your sandy play areas, making playtime way less fun. That’s why we’re here with tips to help you keep the ants away.

Why Do Ants Like Sand?

Ants like sand because it’s easy to dig and maneuver in as they form an anthill and grow a large colony. Ants can also easily find food in sand. They’re scavengers that eat other bugs, and other bugs happen to seek protection in the sand too.

Humans make sandy play areas even more appealing to ants. Children often leave crumbs and residue from sticky fingers on play equipment, and ants are pros at making their homes near those food sources.

But just because they can make the perfect anthill in your sandbox or yard, doesn’t mean they should!

Related Blog: Why Do I Get Ants When It Rains?

How to Get Rid of Ants in a Sandbox and Play Area

Sandboxes and playsets surrounded by sand are major ant attractants. If you spot ants in your sand, try cleaning up organic debris, sprinkling cinnamon on the ground, and connecting with a professional pest control team like Mosquito Squad.

Here are the details about those options:

• Clear the surrounding area. Remove fallen leaves, organic matter, and any other potential food sources or shelter for ants. If you have pets, train them to relieve themselves away from your sandbox and play areas. Alternately, simply use residential pet waste pickup services from DoodyCalls!
• Utilize a professional barrier treatment service. One of the best ways to keep bugs, including ants, out of your sandbox is with a barrier treatment spray! This solution will limit the bugs in your play space for several weeks so your family can enjoy uninterrupted playtime. (But we can’t promise the neighbors won’t want to play in your super-clean sandbox!)
• Sprinkle cinnamon onto the sand. One quick hack to deter ants is to sprinkle cinnamon on the sand, especially near any anthills. Ants don’t like cinnamon, and they may just decide to move away.

Now that you know how to get rid of ants in a sandbox play area, learn how to keep them away so you don’t have to deal with another infestation.

How to Keep Ants Out of a Sandbox for Good!

Proper cleanup and ground preparation can prevent an ant problem before it starts. Try some of these tactics to keep ants out of your sand.

• Clean up after playtime. When it’s time to return indoors, clean up items that may entice ants, including toys that collect water, old food wrappers, and crumbs.
• Prepare the ground. If you’re currently installing or redesigning your sandbox or play area, lay down landscape fabric before you pour sand. This is a great way to prevent ants and other bugs from discovering the area from above or below ground.
• Protect the border with natural sprays. Several natural substances diluted in water can act as repellents to keep ants away from the playground and sandbox. Try spraying vinegar, lemon juice, or peppermint-scented essential oils to repel ants. Focus on spraying around the perimeter to prevent ants from entering.

Make Backyard Ant Control Your Priority

Armed with these tips, you can successfully keep ants away from your outdoor play areas. Just remember: Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent future infestations.  Mosquito Squad offers several professional treatment options, including  fire ant control treatment, to keep your yard protected from harmful bugs. If you’re ready for our technicians to squash your ant problem, contact us today for a free quote, or call us at (877) 332-2239!