How to get rid of bachac from your garden in Trinidad and Tobago.

How to get rid of bachac: The ultimate guide for homeowners and gardeners in Trinidad and Tobago

Bachacs, also known as leaf-cutter ants, are among the most destructive pests found in Trinidad and Tobago. If you’re a home gardener, farmer or simply enjoy keeping your ornamental plants healthy, you’ve likely experienced their wrath. These ants operate in long trails, stripping plants of their leaves to feed a fungus they cultivate underground.

Left unchecked, a bachac infestation can decimate crops, ruin gardens, and cause lasting damage to the local ecosystem. In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to get rid of bachac using proven natural, chemical and manual methods, with a focus on long-term prevention.

Get Rid of Leafcutter Ants & Other Facts: What Do They Eat?

Learn how to get rid of leafcutter ants. What do they look like? What do they eat? Where do they live? For more information on leafcutter ants or help with control, call Orkin today.

What are bachacs and why are they a problem?

Bachacs are a type of leaf-cutter ant native to the Caribbean and Central and South America. They are known for their industrious nature and ability to destroy large quantities of vegetation overnight.

Bachacs don’t eat the leaves they cut; instead, they carry them underground to cultivate a specific fungus, which serves as their primary food source. These underground nests can grow to enormous sizes and are protected by a caste of soldier ants.

Understanding their biology and behaviour is essential to removing them effectively. The visible ants are just the surface issue. The real target must be the queen and the fungus garden underground, which sustains the colony.

First, locate the nest

The first and most important step in getting rid of bachac is to locate the nest. While you might see trails of ants carrying leaves across your property, these trails often extend for over 100 metres. Follow the trail to its origin. Signs of a nest include:

Freshly disturbed soil or mounds
Openings in the ground near forested or overgrown areas
Dump piles made of chewed-up plant material, a by-product of their fungus farming

Finding the nest allows for direct treatment of the source and increases your chances of eradicating the colony.

Natural methods to get rid of bachac

Many homeowners prefer to try non-toxic, environmentally friendly methods before using chemicals. Here are some of the most effective natural solutions:

Boiling water

Pouring boiling water into the nest entrances is a traditional method that can be surprisingly effective. The heat kills the ants on contact and may reach deep enough to destroy the fungus garden. For best results, apply boiling water at dusk or dawn when the ants are less active. Repeat for several days, especially after rain.

Wood ash or builders’ lime

Sprinkling wood ash or builders’ lime along the ant trails and around the base of plants acts as a deterrent. These substances irritate the ants’ bodies and disrupt their movement. However, use caution with lime around sensitive plants, as it can alter soil pH.

Citrus peels

Citrus peels, especially from oranges and limes, contain oils that repel ants. Crush the peels to release the scent and place them near the nest entrances or along trails. Replace the peels every few days for continued effectiveness.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilised algae. It’s non-toxic to humans and pets but lethal to insects. Sprinkle it around ant trails and nest entrances. It works by damaging the ants’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Organic and safe DIY baits

In addition to repellents, using bait that the ants carry back to the nest is a targeted way to kill the colony. Here are some safe options:

Cornmeal or cream of wheat

Sprinkle dry cornmeal or cream of wheat along the trails. These foods expand in the ants’ digestive systems and may cause them to die. This method can be hit-or-miss but is worth trying in small gardens.

Boric acid and sugar paste

Mix equal parts boric acid and sugar with a little water to form a paste. Place it in small, shallow containers near the trails. The sugar attracts the ants, while the boric acid kills them slowly, giving them time to carry it back to the colony.

Caution: Boric acid is toxic to pets and children, so place the bait in areas that are inaccessible to them.

Garden Safe 4 lb. Crawling Insect Killer with Diatomaceous Earth

The Garden Safe 4 lb. Crawling Insect Killer with Diatomaceous Earth is a no-odor, non-staining insect control solution. Use Garden Safe diatomaceous pesticides both indoors and outdoors to kill listed crawling insects on contact. When crawling insects encounter or ingest this diatomaceous powder, they die within 24 hours. It’s designed to control cockroaches, ants, beetles, fleas, bed bugs, carpet beetles, millipedes, crickets, silverfish and others as listed on the label. Use a hand duster, power duster or squeeze bottle (all sold separately) to apply.

US$13.99

Buy Now

Chemical solutions for severe infestations

If natural methods don’t work or the colony is too large, chemical treatments may be necessary.

Ant baits

Commercial ant baits designed for leaf-cutter ants are widely available. These contain slow-acting poisons or insect growth regulators. Look for brands like Amdro, Sevin, and Ortho Ant B Gon, which are often stocked in local agricultural supply stores.

Place the bait along active trails, near nest entrances, or directly into the nest. The ants carry the bait back to the colony, where it kills the queen and disrupts reproduction.

Nest drenching insecticides

Insecticides containing carbaryl or permethrin can be mixed with water and poured directly into the nest. This method is highly effective but should be used carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects or contaminating groundwater.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear protective clothing during application.

Preventative measures to keep bachac away

Once you’ve controlled the bachac population, implement measures to keep them from returning:

Garden maintenance

Trim trees, shrubs and tall grass regularly to reduce habitat for bachacs. Keep your garden free of plant debris, as decaying matter can attract ants.

Physical barriers

Apply sticky substances like Tanglefoot around the trunks of fruit trees or wooden posts to prevent ants from climbing. Wrap tree trunks in plastic or cloth before applying the sticky material to avoid damaging the bark.

Companion planting

Some plants naturally repel ants. Try planting garlic, lemongrass, mint, or marigolds around the perimeter of your garden.

Encourage natural predators

Birds, frogs, lizards and even some types of beetles feed on ants. Encouraging biodiversity in your garden helps control pests naturally.

Garden Safe 2 lb. Slug and Snail Bait Granules

The Garden Safe Slug and Snail Bait Granules contain a unique combination of iron phosphate – a plant nutrient that occurs in soils, with slug and snail bait additives. After eating the slug and snail bait, the slimy critters cease feeding and die within 3 to 6 days. Great in or on home lawns, gardens, greenhouses, outdoor ornamentals, vegetable gardens, fruits, berries, citrus and crop plants, this versatile snail and slug bait maintains a thriving lawn.

US$14.99

Buy Now

Cultural techniques for long-term control

Rotate crops

Avoid planting the same crop in the same spot every year. Crop rotation can make your garden less attractive to pests.

Use resistant varieties

Some plants are less appealing to bachacs. Experiment with different varieties to find ones that are less affected.

Last resort: Digging out the nest and destroying the fungus

When all else fails, a more aggressive solution is to dig out the nest and destroy the fungus garden that sustains the colony. This is the most direct way to eliminate bachacs but comes with serious risks:

Nests can be located deep underground, sometimes over 3 metres deep.
The fungus chambers are often protected by thousands of soldier ants.
The nest may be in precarious locations such as under large trees, concrete foundations or near water lines.

To attempt this:

Mark all visible entrances.
Wait until early morning when the ants are least active.
Use shovels or manual diggers to expose the nest slowly.
Locate the white fungal mass and remove or burn it.
Pour boiling water or insecticide to kill remaining ants.

Due to the complexity and danger of this method, it is often best left to professionals. However, if the nest is accessible and manageable in size, this can be the most definitive way to stop a persistent infestation.

When to call a professional

If you are dealing with multiple nests, infestations near buildings, or large agricultural plots, it may be time to consult a licensed pest control service. Professionals have access to high-grade treatments and the expertise to deal with nests that are hard to locate or reach.

Common mistakes to avoid

Only killing ants on the surface and ignoring the nest.
Over-relying on insecticides without addressing the queen or fungus garden.
Using too many methods at once, which can confuse the ants and cause them to relocate.
Ignoring garden hygiene, which invites a new infestation.

Final thoughts

Successfully getting rid of bachac requires a strategic combination of observation, targeted treatment and prevention. Whether you choose natural repellents, homemade baits, commercial insecticides, or physical removal, consistency is key.

Monitor trails, respond quickly, and follow up treatments even after the ants appear to be gone. By eliminating the queen and the fungus garden, you disrupt the colony’s ability to survive and multiply.

For gardeners and homeowners in Trinidad and Tobago, understanding how to get rid of bachac is essential for protecting crops, ornamentals, and property value. With the right approach, you can reclaim your space from these leaf-cutting invaders and maintain a healthy, pest-free environment.

______________________