We all want to get rid of fire ants, but there are so many different ways to do it. You can purchase a professional-grade spray or dust, or you could try an over-the-counter remedy.
In this article I will explain how boric acid works and how to use it properly to kill off your fire ant problem once and for all.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Boric acid is an effective and natural solution for eliminating fire ants from your yard. |
| It can be applied in several forms such as dust, baits, or sprays. |
| Boric acid works by disrupting the ant’s digestive system and can cause them to starve to death or die of dehydration. |
| A bait is the most effective method of using boric acid as the ants carry it back to their colony, killing the entire colony. |
| Boric acid is considered safe for humans and pets in small doses but should be used with caution and according to instructions. |
1. Purchase Your Boric Acid
Boric acid can be purchased at a pharmacy or grocery store. You should purchase eight ounces of boric acid, which is enough to treat an area as large as 1,000 square feet.
If you have a larger space that needs to be treated, you will need to buy more than one container of boric acid.
Boric acid is usually found in a powder form and has no odor or color, so it won’t affect the smell and appearance of your home if you use it correctly.
This makes it easy for anyone who wants to get rid of fire ants without having to worry about making their home look unsightly while they do so!
You will only need one eight-ounce container for an area this size because it takes just two tablespoons per gallon when mixed with water (which we’ll get into next). This means that just one container should last for about 100 gallons worth of water treatment!
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2. Plan Your Attack
Make sure you have all the tools and supplies you need before starting.
If you can, remove the ants from their nest in one piece (i.e., don’t spray or pour boric acid on an ant hill or mound). You’ll be better able to tell how many ants are living there, and if it looks like a lot, then it’s probably best to leave them alone for now.
After gathering supplies, think about where the best place is to start applying boric acid: inside? Outside? In between?
The best method depends on where they’re coming from and where they’re going—and if they’re coming inside, what kind of situation will make them want to stay there instead of going back outside again!
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Identify the areas where the fire ants are prevalent |
| Step 2 | Determine the amount of boric acid needed based on the size of the infestation |
| Step 3 | Mix the boric acid with a bait, such as sugar or peanut butter |
| Step 4 | Place the bait in areas where fire ants are present and where they are likely to gather |
| Step 5 | Reapply the bait every few weeks to ensure continued eradication |
| Step 6 | Monitor the area for any new colonies that may appear and treat accordingly |
3. Gather Your Supplies And Tools
Before you get started, it’s important to gather your supplies and tools. Make sure you have on safety goggles, gloves, a mask and boots. You’ll also need a spray bottle filled with water and boric acid powder (or boric acid solution).
Boric acid can be a safe and effective way to get rid of fire ants without harsh chemicals. Learn more about Boric Acid: The Natural Solution to your fire ant woes in our comprehensive guide.
4. Put On Safety Gear
You’re going to be dealing with boric acid, which is a chemical that can cause skin irritation. To prevent this from happening, you should wear safety gear that includes gloves, a mask and closed-toe shoes.
Long pants and long sleeves will also help protect your skin from getting irritated by the boric acid powder.
If you have any areas of your body where there are cuts or scrapes on your skin (like if you cut yourself shaving), make sure that these areas are covered up with something – like bandages! It may seem like overkill but it’s better safe than sorry when dealing with chemicals like this one.
Boric acid is a versatile solution that can be used to solve a wide range of fire ant problems. Check out our guide on 10 surprising ways Boric acid can get rid of your fire ant problem to learn how you can use this powerful tool in your battle against fire ants
5. Identify All Of Your Mounds
Inspect your property to identify all the mounds.
To the naked eye, mounds look like small hills or bumps with varying size and color. If you see mounds that look like this, you may have fire ants in your yard.
You can also use a shovel to dig up some dirt from around these areas (not too deep) and inspect it for black specks—these could be eggs or larvae of fire ants.
6. Bait The Mound(S) With Bait And/Or Spray
Spray the mound with a boric acid solution, gel or powder, or crystals. Spraying will not only kill the ants but will also prevent them from returning to their nest once they have eaten it.
This is especially useful when treating outdoors during hot weather as it doesn’t require you to be around for long periods of time when spraying on top of a fire ant mound in order for it to work effectively against these pests.
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7. Reapply Every Few Weeks As Needed
If you want to get rid of fire ants without using harsh chemicals, boric acid is a great option. But be aware that bait isn’t a long-term solution—you’ll have to reapply as needed.
That said, there are several ways to use it effectively:
You can use a bait and spray combination. The spray will kill the ants that come into contact with it and make them easier for the ants on the ground to find (bait works best when applied directly to ant trails).
You can also use a bait and dust combination. Dust will prevent new queens from moving into your home and killing off all other ant colonies in their path—making this approach ideal if you’re dealing with multiple nests around your property (just be careful not too apply too much dust because it could discolor surfaces).
Finally, if you have more than one colony of fire ants in your lawn or garden area you may need additional help keeping those pests under control by applying baits and gels directly below where they’re nesting outside your house – which means no need for bringing inside unless absolutely necessary!
| Week | Task |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Apply bait to areas where fire ants are present |
| Week 2-3 | Monitor the area for signs of ants or new mounds |
| Week 4 | Reapply bait to areas where ants have been spotted |
| Week 5-6 | Monitor the area again for signs of ants or new mounds |
| Week 7 | Reapply bait as needed to continue fire ant eradication as necessary |
| Week 8 and onward | Continue to monitor the area and reapply bait periodically as necessary |
8. Be Patient
You’ve just finished treating your lawn with boric acid. You’re sure you won’t see any more fire ants for at least a few weeks, but what happens if you’re wrong?
The good news is that these baits work! The bad news is that they don’t work overnight. If you have large populations of fire ants in your yard, it will take time for the bait to catch on and eradicate them completely.
It may take weeks or even months before all of the colony is gone (if ever). If you do get ants after applying bait, don’t panic—this means that some of the colony was missed when applying and now has access to food sources from other areas around your home.
Keep applying baits until all signs of fire ant activity have ceased over an area larger than 15 square feet (about 1/3 acre) or until no more colonies are found within 100 feet of treated areas
Boric acid is a powerful tool in the battle against fire ants, but it’s important to know how to use it safely and effectively. Check out the ultimate guide to using Boric Acid to eliminate fire ants for everything you need to know about using Boric Acid to eliminate fire ants
Conclusion
Ants can be a real problem, and they can be a real pain to get rid of. But with the right steps, you can get the upper hand on infestations and keep them away for good.
Remember that patience is key here—things are going to take time! Don’t give up too soon or try something else prematurely because your first attempt didn’t work out.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about using boric acid to eliminate fire ants:
Eliminating Fire Ants With Boric Acid: This article provides an in-depth guide on using boric acid as a natural and effective solution for getting rid of fire ants in your yard.
How to Get Rid of Fire Ants: Southern Perimeter Pest Control provides a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of fire ants, including the use of boric acid.
Using Boric Acid to Control Fire Ants in Dallas: This article outlines the benefits of using boric acid to control fire ants in the Dallas area.
FAQs
What is Boric Acid?
Boric acid is a white, odorless, and weak acid that is commonly used as an insecticide. It is made up of boron, hydrogen, and oxygen and is an effective solution for eliminating fire ants.
Is Boric Acid Safe for Humans and Pets?
Boric acid is considered safe for humans and pets in small doses, but it should be used with caution. Long-term exposure to boric acid can be harmful to humans and animals. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and keep the product out of reach of children and pets.
How Does Boric Acid Work?
Boric acid works by disrupting the ant’s digestive system, causing it to starve to death. It can also damage the ant’s exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death.
How Do I Apply Boric Acid to Get Rid of Fire Ants?
Boric acid can be applied in several ways, including dusts, baits, and sprays. The most effective method is using a bait, which the ants carry back to their colony and share with other ants, killing the entire colony.
When Should I Use Boric Acid to Get Rid of Fire Ants?
Boric acid can be used at any time, but it is most effective in the early spring or fall when fire ant populations are at their highest. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and repeat the treatment as needed to fully eliminate the fire ants.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
