If your lawn grass looks green today and patchy tomorrow, don’t blame bad luck or “seasonal issues” too quickly. In most Indian lawns, the real culprit is white ants, commonly known as termites. They work silently under the soil, eat from below, and by the time you notice damage, half the roots are already gone.

This article solves four clear user intents:

• Problem: Why are white ants attacking my lawn grass?
• Solution: How do I remove termites permanently from soil?
• Comparison: Chemical vs organic termite treatment
• Price: What is the cost of termite treatment for lawns in India?

No confusion. No fluff.

What Are White Ants and Why Lawns Are Their Favourite?

White ants are termites, not ants. Biologically, they belong to a different insect order and behave very differently.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Termites do not eat grass leaves. They eat roots, organic matter, and cellulose in soil.

Lawns are ideal for them because:

• Soil stays moist
• Organic manure is present
• Grass roots form dense networks
• Disturbance is minimal after installation

From a termite’s point of view, your lawn is a luxury hotel with free food.

Early Signs of White Ants in Lawn Grass (Most People Miss These)

Most lawn owners notice the problem too late. Look for these early warnings:

• Random yellow patches despite proper watering
• Grass pulls out easily (no root resistance)
• Soil feels hollow or powdery below grass
• Mud tunnels near lawn edges or tiles
• Fast grass drying even in normal weather

If you see two or more signs, termites are already active underground.

Main Causes of White Ants in Lawn Grass (Indian Conditions)

1. Excess Organic Matter in Soil

In India, lawns often receive raw cow dung, half-decomposed FYM, or compost. Termites thrive on this.

Botanical fact: Termites digest cellulose using gut microbes. Organic-rich soil = buffet.

2. Improper Soil Treatment Before Lawn Installation

Many lawns are laid directly on:

• Old construction soil
• Brick debris
• Untreated garden soil

No pre-treatment = guaranteed termite risk.

3. Continuous Moisture + Poor Drainage

Indian lawns are often overwatered, especially in:

• Delhi NCR
• Punjab
• Haryana
• UP
• Coastal regions

Moist soil keeps termite colonies active year-round.

4. Wooden Borders, Bricks & Tree Stumps Nearby

Termites rarely start in grass. They usually come from:

• Wooden edging
• Old tree roots
• Underground debris

Grass becomes the next victim.

Lawn Grass Types More Vulnerable to White Ants

Important: Termites attack soil conditions, not grass species alone.

Why Surface Sprays Fail (Hard Truth)

Spraying phenyl, kerosene, or household insecticide on grass does nothing.

Why?

• Termites live 30–90 cm below soil
• Surface sprays never reach colonies
• You kill workers, not the queen
• Colony rebuilds within weeks

This is why people say, “White ants keep coming back.”

They were never removed.

Permanent Solution for White Ants in Lawn Grass (Scientifically Proven)

Step 1: Identify Infestation Zone

You must locate:

• Affected patches
• Lawn borders
• Nearby walls or trees

Blind treatment wastes money.

Step 2: Soil-Based Anti-Termite Treatment (Core Solution)

This is non-negotiable.

Use approved soil termiticides applied through:

• Soil drenching
• Injection method
• Root zone saturation

This targets:

• Workers
• Soldiers
• Queen (eventually)

Only soil treatment breaks the colony cycle.

Step 3: Remove Food Sources

• Stop raw manure use
• Remove buried wood or debris
• Improve soil aeration

Without food, colonies collapse faster.

Step 4: Lawn Recovery Treatment

Once termites are controlled:

• Root stimulators help regrowth
• Balanced nutrients repair damage
• Controlled irrigation prevents relapse

Grass recovers if roots survive.

Organic vs Chemical Termite Treatment (Honest Comparison)

Reality check: Organic methods help prevention, not active infestation.

Cost of White Ant Treatment for Lawn in India (2026 Estimate)

Prices vary based on:

• Soil condition
• Infestation depth
• City & climate

City & Climate Angle (Very Important)

• Delhi NCR / Punjab / Haryana: High risk due to alkaline soil
• Mumbai / Chennai: Moist soil increases termite activity
• Bangalore / Pune: Moderate risk, seasonal spikes
• Rajasthan: Lower risk but severe once established

Local soil behaviour matters more than grass type.

Common Myths About White Ants in Lawn Grass

• ❌ “Sunlight kills termites”
• ❌ “Weekly pesticide spray is enough”
• ❌ “New grass means no termites”

Truth hurts, but myths cost money.

When You Should Call a Professional Lawn Service

You need expert help if:

• Infestation keeps returning
• Large lawn area is affected
• Lawn is newly installed
• Termites are near building foundation

A professional lawn service uses soil-specific treatment, not guesswork.

👉 If the infestation keeps returning or affects a large lawn area, professional lawn grass installation and maintenance services ensure proper soil treatment, long-term protection, and healthy grass recovery.

FAQs – People Also Ask

What causes white ants in lawn grass?

Excess moisture, organic matter, untreated soil, and nearby wooden material cause termite infestation in lawns.

Can white ants destroy lawn grass completely?

Yes. They kill roots, leading to sudden grass death even when watering is regular.

Which is the best treatment for white ants in lawns?

Soil-based anti-termite treatment is the most effective and permanent solution.

Are white ants harmful to humans?

They do not bite humans but can damage lawns, trees, and even nearby structures.

How long does termite treatment last?

A proper soil treatment lasts 3–5 years, depending on soil and climate.

Final Word

White ants are not a lawn problem.
They are a soil ecosystem imbalance problem.

Once you treat soil correctly and maintain it scientifically, termites lose their power.

A healthy lawn is not about more water or more fertiliser.
It is about correct soil biology and prevention.