Very often earthworms become very disfiguring on a grass plot. Where
there are many present it is an indication that the earth is in poor
condition, compacted, and needing humus. An application of strong
lime-water will drive many to the surface, where they can be swept up;
or a heavy rolling with a 1,500-lb. roller will do much to discourage
them.
It is surprising how much damage a colony of ants can do on a lawn. They
should be looked after the first time they are noticed, for they work
rapidly, and the longer neglected the more difficult it is to
eradicate them.
There are many remedies recommended, but the best one lies in the use of
bisulphide of carbon. This is very effective, but it has come into such
common use that a word of caution should be given as to its handling.
It is very volatile and, when near flame, powerfully explosive, and
should be handled with great care. Pour it into the runways of the ants,
and then throw over these a mat. The fumes will speedily kill all the
ants. A better way, however, is to drive a stick into the ground in
several places where the colony is located, and in these holes pour the
carbon, afterwards plugging the holes up tightly.
Moles are frequently found on lawns, but they are not serious because
they can be easily controlled by heavily rolling or by traps made to
catch them. Where there is a suspicion of the presence of moles, no time
should be lost in getting after them. They sometimes work for a long
time before their destructive borings are evident, and then it will take
much labor to get ahead of them. Keep the heavy roller going as an
excellent preventive.