Ants, Gophers, Moles and Other Pests in Artificial Turf

This guide is for owners seeing mounds, humps, holes or insects in their turf. You will be able to identify which pest is active from the evidence, choose a treatment that will not damage the turf, and decide whether lifting the turf to install wire mesh is worth the cost.

Does artificial turf attract pests?

Turf removes the food that grass-eating pests rely on, so it tends to reduce some pests (like lawn grubs) and not others. Ants like the warm, well-drained base. Gophers and moles travel underneath looking for roots and insects in the soil, and they do not care what is on top. Rodents and insects can also be drawn by food scraps or pet waste on the surface. In short, turf changes which pests you see rather than eliminating them.

Which pest is it? Diagnostic signs

A quick field check

1. Look for sand mounds. Fine sand on top of the fibers in small piles points to ants moving infill or base. Watch at warm times of day for activity.
2. Press humps and ridges. Press firmly with your foot. If the turf sinks into a soft tunnel, an animal is digging beneath it.
3. Check edges. Fold back a perimeter edge where activity is heaviest and look for tunnels, nests or chewed backing.
4. Look at the pattern. Straight or meandering raised lines usually mean moles near the surface. Irregular mounds and dips that appear overnight point to gophers.
5. Check for holes. A hole chewed through the turf from below is almost always a gopher.

How to get rid of ants in artificial turf

Ants are the most common complaint. Fixes from cheapest to most involved:

1. Remove attractants ($0)

Pick up food scraps and pet food, clean up sticky drinks, and rinse pet urine areas. Sugary or greasy residue attracts ants to the surface.

2. Use ant baits ($10 to $40)

Bait stations placed along trails and near mounds let worker ants carry poison back to the colony, which is more effective than surface sprays. Keep baits away from pets and children, and follow the label.

3. Treat the nest and edges ($20 to $80)

Granular or liquid insecticides labeled for lawn or perimeter use can be applied at edges and around the nest. Check the label for compatibility with synthetic surfaces and pets, avoid oily formulas that may stain fibers, and rinse after the waiting period in pet areas. Boiling water poured into a nest can work on small colonies, but it can soften turf fibers; use it only on exposed soil, not directly on turf.

4. Seal gaps ($0 to $100)

Ants often enter at edges, seams and joints with hardscape. Re-nail lifted edges, re-seam gaps, and fill joints next to patios. See our edging and borders guide.

How to deal with gophers and moles under turf

Burrowing animals are less common than ants but cause much more damage.

• Trapping ($20 to $100 DIY, $150 to $500 professional). Trapping is the most reliable way to remove an active gopher or mole. Traps are placed in tunnels, which may mean folding back turf. Check local regulations on trapping.
• Baits and fumigants. Some products are restricted and pose risks to pets and wildlife. Use only as directed and consider a licensed pest control operator.
• Repellents. Castor-oil based repellents and vibrating stakes have mixed results and are best viewed as short-term deterrents.

Once the animal is gone, repair the base: fold back the turf, fill and compact the tunnels, level with a straightedge and re-nail. Our base preparation guide explains compaction.

Wire mesh under the base: is it worth it?

Galvanized hardware cloth (typically 1/2 inch mesh, often 19 gauge) laid on the subgrade under the base is the long-term fix for gophers and moles. Edges should overlap and be fastened, and the mesh should turn up at the perimeter or run under edging so animals cannot go around it.

Our rule of thumb: if you have gophers or moles in your yard, or in neighbors' yards, install mesh during the original installation. Our model: on a 600 sq ft lawn, mesh adds roughly $540 to $1,620 to the install, versus $1,800 to $4,200 to retrofit under existing turf, plus base repairs after each incursion. Assumptions: material and labor ranges above, retrofit includes lifting and relaying with reuse of the existing turf. Use the turf cost calculator to see how that compares with your total project.

Grubs and other insects

Grubs feed on grass roots, so there is little for them under turf, and they rarely damage it directly. However, grubs in surrounding soil can attract skunks and raccoons, which may tear at turf edges. If animals are digging, check nearby planting beds and lawn. Other insects such as earwigs or crickets may shelter in thatch, especially if debris builds up. Keeping the turf clean, as described in our maintenance guide, reduces hiding places.

What most guides get wrong

Many guides claim turf is "pest free." In our view, that is only true for pests that eat grass. Ants and burrowing animals are about what is under the turf, not on it, so the base and perimeter design decide whether you have problems. A well-compacted, well-edged base with mesh where needed is the prevention; surface treatments are maintenance.

How to prevent pests

• Install hardware cloth under the base where gophers or moles are present.
• Compact base thoroughly and keep edges tight.
• Clean up food, pet waste and debris promptly.
• Keep seams closed and joints with hardscape sealed.
• Treat ant activity early before colonies grow.

Dog owners should check that any pest product is pet safe; see is artificial turf safe for dogs for broader pet safety considerations.

When to call a pro

Call a licensed pest control operator for large ant colonies, persistent gophers or moles, or any situation where restricted baits or fumigants are considered. Call a turf installer if the base needs rebuilding or you want mesh retrofitted under existing turf, since lifting and relaying without wrinkles takes proper stretching tools.

Frequently asked questions

Why are there sand piles on my artificial turf?

Small piles of fine sand on top of the fibers are almost always ants excavating a nest in the base and bringing material to the surface. They are most visible after warm days. Brush the sand back into the turf, then place bait stations near the mounds. If mounds keep appearing along an edge, look for a gap or a hardscape joint where ants are entering.

Can gophers chew through artificial turf?

Yes. Gophers can tunnel under turf and sometimes chew through the backing to reach the surface, leaving round holes. They also cause humps and dips by moving base material. Turf alone is not a barrier. Galvanized hardware cloth under the base is the most reliable way to keep them out of a turf area.

Will a weed barrier stop moles and gophers?

No. Landscape fabric is not tough enough to stop burrowing animals, which can chew or push through it easily. Only metal mesh such as galvanized hardware cloth reliably blocks them. A weed barrier can be used alongside the mesh if needed. See our weed barrier guide for when fabric is worth including.

Are pest treatments safe to use on artificial turf?

Many common baits and insecticides can be used around synthetic turf if the label allows that application. The concerns are pets and children contacting residue, and oily or solvent products staining fibers. Prefer bait stations, follow label rates and waiting times, and rinse play and pet areas afterward. A licensed operator can advise on restricted products.