Recently, a golden retriever captured her owner’s attention by fixating on a specific area of their garden. Curious about her dog’s unusual behavior, the owner approached to discover the source of her fascination.
A TikTok video shared by user @chasing_polys in August revealed the pup intently staring at the backyard fence. As the owner closed in, they noticed some activity: an ant colony busily hauling off a fallen leaf. “How did she even see them?” pondered the owner in the clip’s caption.
While ant invasions can be a nuisance for homeowners, Country Living magazine offers practical tips to combat them. One recommendation is to thoroughly search for and eliminate ant nests in your garden.
Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain clean and empty trash bins, as food remnants can quickly attract pests. Clearing away plant debris—like fallen branches, leaves, and decaying logs—can further discourage ants from settling in.
Some houseplants can also act as natural insect repellents. Consider incorporating lavender, basil, rosemary, sage, lemon balm, marigolds, or even carnivorous species like the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) into your indoor or outdoor garden.
The viral clip quickly gained traction on TikTok, racking up over 1.1 million views and more than 146,000 likes.
Commenters shared their own whimsical experiences with dogs and insects. User Micahstoppp remarked, “Something is so beautiful about dogs being fascinated with bugs.” Another user, Samsartmess, remembered, “Once my dog sat in the middle of the yard and sniffed a flower. Then he looked up at the sky for a while. Dogs are good.” Meanwhile, FunnyPrincess had an amusing take: “Mom… Dad! I found a pack of tiny puppies and they are all playing fetch. LOOK they are right HERE!”
Another user, CROME, chimed in, “My dog is obsessed with catching all these little gnats that invaded my indoor plants. They became her play friends…that she ate, but hey! So much fun!”