Fire ants are a type of ant that can be found in the United States, South America and Australia. They are known for their ability to cause severe allergic reactions and painful stings. Fire ants can also damage crops and lawns by eating seeds before they can grow into plants.
Despite their name, fire ants actually aren’t dangerous in the sense that they will “burn down” your house instead, the danger comes from their venomous stingers and the allergic reactions some people have when stung by them.
Still though, it’s important to know how to get rid of them if you live in an area where they’re common — which is why we’ve put together this guide!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Boric acid is a natural solution that can effectively eradicate fire ants from your garden and lawn. |
| Using boric acid correctly is key to its effectiveness – follow recommended use guidelines and safety precautions. |
| Proper lawn maintenance is a key part of preventing fire ant infestations, including regular mowing and soil moisture management. |
| Borax can also be an effective and natural method for controlling fire ants. |
| If you’re dealing with a severe fire ant infestation, it may be best to consult with an expert before proceeding with DIY methods. |
Ant Baits
Ant baits may be a good option for you if you don’t want to use sprays or dusts. They are also effective at getting rid of large infestations.
Ant baits come in two varieties: non-repellent and repellent. Non-repellent ant baits contain sugar water, which ants like to eat.
This type of ant bait does not work well for fire ants because they do not eat sugar water due to the formic acid they produce inside their bodies that kills other insects and bugs; it also prevents them from consuming any other food sources except honeydew (the sweet liquid produced by aphids). Fire ants prefer protein sources such as meat, fish and even grease!
Fire ants can be a nightmare, but luckily there’s a natural solution that really works. If you’re tired of dealing with these pesky insects, check out our complete guide to using boric acid to keep your lawn fire ant-free
Borax
Borax is a natural insecticide that has been used for centuries. It can be effective against many different types of insects, including ants.
As a borax-based natural insecticide, it can be safely used around humans and pets; however, borax doesn’t always work as well as other pesticides against fire ants.
If you want to get rid of fire ants using borax, here’s what you need to do:
- Add one part boric acid powder (commonly found at hardware stores) to two parts white flour or cornmeal in a large bowl
- The white powder mixture should be dry enough that it won’t stick together but not so dry that it crumbles apart when you touch it
- Sprinkle the mixture around where the ants are gathering
Soap
Soap is a way that you can kill fire ants. It’s not harmful to humans or pets, but be careful when applying the soap because it can burn them.
You should apply the soap directly onto the mound, and try not to use anything else in combination with the soap—it may cause problems if you do so. The soap will kill off some of the ants, but it will not get rid of the entire colony just yet!
Boric acid can be an incredibly effective way to get rid of fire ants, but it’s important to know how to use it correctly. Our top 15 tips for effectively using boric acid will ensure you get the best possible results while keeping your lawn and garden safe
Boiling Water
- Gather a large pot, fill it with water, and bring it to a boil.
- Use a long-handled spoon or stick to stir the water in the pot. This will keep the fire ants from sinking to the bottom of your pot and surviving as they die off.
- Pour the hot water into your fire ant’s nest and repeat until no more ants are visible (or move on if you have another nest).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective and inexpensive method | Can harm surrounding plants and grass |
| Easy to do with household supplies | Not recommended for larger infestations |
| Safe for humans and other wildlife | May need to be repeated multiple times |
| Environmentally friendly | Not effective for eliminating queen ant |
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another organic and inexpensive way to keep fire ants away. They’re also more effective than vinegar, according to the University of California, Davis.
To use coffee grounds:
Place them around your house in places where fire ants might enter, including doorways and windowsills.
Scatter them on top of mulch or gravel in areas where you want to deter the insects from entering your yard or garden (coffee grounds may also deter other pests like slugs).
Dump a mixture of one cup fresh coffee grounds with two dashes of dish soap into your vacuum bag when cleaning up after outdoor picnics or barbecues
Fire ant problems can seem never-ending, but with boric acid, you can find a natural, comprehensive solution. Learn more about how this simple yet effective method can keep your yard and home free from these pests.
Liquid Dish Soap and Water
You can also use dish soap and water to get rid of fire ants. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and dish soap. Spray on the ants and repeat as needed for best results.
This is a good method for small infestations or after your initial treatment has been successful in ridding your home of fire ant colonies.
Boric Acid and Sugar Water
You can make a pesticide solution by combining boric acid and sugar water. Mix one part boric acid to four parts water (1:4). If you have a large area, mix two parts boric acid to four parts sugar (2:4).
Place the bait in a small container or 5-gallon bucket so it’s easy to transport around your yard. Put the bait out just before dark and check it during the day, but don’t disturb the ants too much; they will stay away from disturbed areas longer than undisturbed areas.
Make sure that your bait is set out on something sturdy so it doesn’t get knocked over by animals or children before or after you have placed it down for use. Don’t worry if your baited area looks messy; this is normal! It just means that you’re attracting lots of fire ants!
Dry Ice
Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide, and it’s incredibly cold. When dry ice melts, it turns into carbon dioxide gas. This process can be used to kill fire ants and their mounds.
You can find dry ice at many grocery stores or order it online from Amazon (you’ll need a large block for this project).
Place the dry ice in a sealed plastic bag or container and place it on top of your mound. Leave the mound alone for about 20 minutes—the longer you leave it there, the better chance you have of killing all of them!
Do not touch or get near any ants as well as any dead ones that may have been killed by using this method because they will sting!
If you’re dealing with a serious fire ant infestation, you’ll need a more comprehensive plan to eliminate these difficult insects. Our ultimate guide to using boric acid offers detailed instructions and advice on how to use this natural solution to rid your yard of fire ant colonies for good.
Orange Oil Extract
Orange oil extract is an effective way to kill fire ants. It can be made at home by placing orange peels in a bucket of water and letting them sit for up to two weeks before straining out the oil and using it as a spray.
Orange oil is highly flammable, so it’s important not to apply it in dry conditions or near anything that might catch fire.
Also, never let children handle orange oil extract without adult supervision. This recipe should be used only indoors because of the fumes generated by this mixture and its high flammability.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
If you want to remove fire ants without using chemicals, diatomaceous earth (DE) is a good option. DE is made of tiny fossilized algae, and when ants crawl over it they get cut and dehydrated. Even if you don’t have an ant infestation, it can be helpful to sprinkle a little DE around your house as an extra precaution against pests.
The most common way to use DE against fire ants is by sprinkling it on mounds or killing them inside their tunnels with the powdery substance.
You can also put some in areas where you’ve seen them crawling around before this will help deter other ants from coming back into those same spaces.
However, it’s still important not to apply DE directly onto any animals or plants because this can cause irritation or damage their exoskeleton
Honey Water with Beer and Boric Acid
Another effective way to get rid of fire ants is by mixing 1 part honey to 3 parts water, adding 1 tsp of boric acid and some beer. Be sure to keep the mixture out of reach from children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested.
Cinnamon Powder and Salt Water
Mix together 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 cup of water. Then spray this mixture on the ant hills.
You can also use this as a natural alternative to boric acid when spraying on ant hills: it’s safer for you and your pets, and it has the same effect! Keep repeating this every 2 days to get rid of those pesky ants once and for all!
If you’re searching for a natural and effective way to eliminate fire ants from your lawn, borax may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Learn more about how you can use this versatile substance to keep fire ants at bay in your yard and garden.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get rid of fire ants in your yard, but it’s important to find one that works best for you and your family.
If you have questions about what method is best for your area, contact us today! We’ll be happy to help out with any questions or concerns.
Further Reading
Here are a few more resources that may be helpful:
Bob Vila: How to Get Rid of Fire Ants: A comprehensive guide to getting rid of fire ants, including information on chemical and natural methods, prevention techniques, and more.
Planet Natural: Fire Ant Control: An overview of common fire ant control methods, tips for prevention, and natural fire ant control solutions.
LawnStarter: How to Get Rid of Fire Ants: A detailed guide that covers everything from identifying fire ant mounds to using different types of treatments and prevention strategies.
FAQs
What are fire ants?
Fire ants are aggressive red or black ants that are known for their painful stings. They build large mounds in lawns and gardens and can be difficult to control without the right methods.
What causes fire ant infestations?
Fire ants are attracted to warm, sunny environments, which is why they are common in southern states. They also prefer areas with loose, sandy soil, so lawns and gardens with these conditions are more likely to experience infestations.
What are some common methods for eliminating fire ants?
There are a variety of methods for getting rid of fire ants, including chemical treatments, natural remedies like diatomaceous earth or boric acid, and preventative techniques like proper lawn maintenance and reducing attractants.
How can I prevent fire ant infestations in my lawn or garden?
Proper lawn maintenance can go a long way in preventing fire ant infestations. Regular mowing, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged, and removing debris can all help make your yard less attractive to these pests.
Are there any risks associated with trying to eliminate fire ants on my own?
While many DIY fire ant elimination methods are effective, there are some risks associated with trying to tackle a severe infestation on your own. In some cases, chemical treatments can harm other wildlife in your yard or even pose a risk to humans and pets if not used correctly. It’s always a good idea to consult with an expert if you’re not sure how to proceed.
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!
