Mites complete development in 7-10 days, so can build up in great numbers quickly. They are several species which may be pests of turf, including the southern fire ant, harvester ants, and wood ants. These ants do not eat grass, but build their homes in the soil under the turf. The mounds they produce may be unsightly, and may interfere with mowing. Some ants may also bite or sting if their nest is disturbed.
Ants are social insects that live in large groups.
Baits treated with insecticides often offer the best control because the worker ants carry the poison down into the nest and feed it to all the members of the colony. Homeowners may want to try grinding up three or four orange peels and immediately pouring the slurry down any entrance holes. This method works best on hot summer days. Nymphs and adults feed on weeds such as wild mustard, and may build up to high numbers in wet years in the spring. To prevent false chinch bugs from becoming nuisance pests, control all annual weeds.