Fire ants are one of the most common and destructive pests in the United States. These nasty little critters are considered an invasive species, and they live in colonies that can reach up to several million ants.
Before you learn how to get rid of them forever with borax, it’s important to understand just how big of a problem they really are.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Borax is a natural and effective solution to get rid of fire ants |
| Boric acid can also be used to control fire ants |
| Borax/boric acid works by damaging the ant’s exoskeleton and interfering with its digestive system |
| Borax/boric acid should be used as directed and stored in a secure location |
| Results of using borax/boric acid for ant control can take several days to several weeks |
| Precautions should be taken when using borax/boric acid, such as wearing gloves and protective clothing |
| Borax/boric acid can also be used to control other crawling insects like cockroaches and silverfish |
What Are Fire Ants?
Fire ants are social insects that live in large colonies. They’re mostly black or red in color and are active from spring to fall. Fire ant colonies can range from a few dozen ants to more than 250,000.
Fire ants are aggressive and can sting multiple times, injecting venom into their victims as they bite with their pincer-like jaws.
The venom is what causes the burning pain associated with fire ant stings (and it’s not just humans who feel this pain: dogs are particularly susceptible).
If you want to eradicate those pesky fire ants, you need to use boric acid. Find out how to use boric acid as a powerful weapon against fire ants in our comprehensive guide on The Secret to Eradicating Fire Ants: Boric Acid.
How Much Of A Problem Are They?
Fire ants can be a serious problem in some areas. They have been found in all 50 states and are difficult to eradicate. While they may seem like just another nuisance that is best ignored, these insects are actually dangerous and should be taken seriously.
Fire ants can cause painful stings that can lead to allergic reactions and other health problems. It is not uncommon for those who are allergic to fire ants to develop anaphylaxis after being stung by them. The resulting reaction can cause difficulty breathing, anxiety, hives or swelling of the tongue or throat area.
| Fire Ants | Description |
|---|---|
| Aggressive? | Yes |
| Venomous? | Yes |
| Damage Property? | Yes |
| Health Risks? | Yes |
| Invasive Species? | Yes |
| Easy to Eradicate? | No |
Why Is There A Concern About Them?
Fire ants can cause irritation because they bite and sting. They are an invasive species, which means they can damage your property, crops and food. They also pose health risks to humans with allergies to their venom.
What Do They Look Like?
Fire ants are social insects, meaning that they live in colonies and have a specific role within the colony.
They’re typically red in color, about 3/16 of an inch long and have 6 legs. Their stinger at the end of their abdomen can be painful to humans that’s why it’s best not to pick up fire ants with your bare hands!
Fire ant queens only live for a few years; workers take over raising the next generation after she dies.
Don’t let fire ants take over your yard. With the help of boric acid, you can take back control. Our guide on Fire Ants, No More: How Boric Acid Can Help You Take Back Your Yard will give you all the tips you need to keep your yard free from fire ants
Where Do They Live?
Fire ants are native to the southern United States, California and Hawaii. They are a common pest in these areas, as they prefer warm climates (between 70°F and 90°F).
If you live in a cooler region of the U.S., fire ants may not be able to survive outdoors all year-round without artificial heat sources such as furnaces or space heaters.
As mentioned previously, fire ants thrive outdoors and will even build their own homes outside if they can’t find a suitable place indoors that’s already occupied by humans!
But unlike other outdoor pests like spiders or cockroaches who only come inside when it rains heavily during extreme weather events, fire ants actually prefer being outside because they need constant access to sunlight in order to breathe properly – so if it gets too cold outside for them then they’ll just move indoors instead!
Why Are They Considered An Invasive Species?
Fire ants are considered an invasive species because they have the ability to spread to other areas. Unlike other ants, fire ants can be very difficult to get rid of and can cause damage to crops, homes, and pets.
Fire ants have been known to destroy entire fields of crops and even attack livestock, leaving them with painful stings that cause inflammation of their skin.
How Do You Prevent Them From Taking Over Your Yard And Garden?
- Use a barrier treatment.
- Remove debris and other food sources that attract fire ants.
- Remove fire ant nests by flooding the area with water or by digging them up with a shovel or garden trowel.
- Use a borax treatment: Mix 1 tablespoon of borax in a gallon of water, then pour into holes and crevices where the ants are nesting, being careful not to get it on your skin or clothing. This will kill any fire ants that come in contact with it!
Got a serious fire ant problem? It’s time to bring in the big guns – boric acid. Learn about the natural solution to your fire ant woes in our guide on Boric Acid: The Natural Solution to Your Fire Ant Woes.
Best Practices For Fire Ant Control
To avoid getting stung, it’s important to follow these best practices:
- Wear gloves.
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Wash hands after treatment.
- Keep children and pets away from treated areas until dry (generally two days).
- Do not use borax on plants or in the garden.
The Best Natural Treatment For Fire Ant Control Is Borax.
Borax is a natural mineral that is mined in the United States. It’s also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate.
Borax has been used for many years and has been found to be an effective treatment for fire ants. It is safe for your pets and children when used as directed on this page!
Borax can be used both inside your home and outside around the perimeter of your home. In fact, we recommend you use borax inside your home as well if you have a problem with fire ants inside.
How To Use Borax For Fire Ant Control
Borax has been used for centuries to control pests, so you can use it to control fire ants as well. To get started, you’ll need to purchase some borax powder I recommend 20 Mule Team Borax and sprinkle it on the ground around your home (and in the yard).
The purpose of this step is twofold: it helps prevent ants from getting inside your house, and it kills any ants that do come into contact with borax powder. If there are any areas where you’d like to keep dry soil away from (like an outdoor garden), simply spread out some borax in those spots!
You’ll also want to sprinkle some borax inside your home as well; this includes areas such as basements and crawlspaces where moisture may be present.
Again, keep moist areas dry by sprinkling them with borax! You may need more than one container of 20 Mule Team Borax if you have large amounts of indoor space that needs treatment.
Fire ants can ruin your lawn and make it difficult to enjoy your outdoor space. But with the help of borax, you can get rid of them for good. Check out our guide on How to Use Borax to Naturally Eliminate Fire Ants From Your Lawn to learn more about this simple yet effective solution.
What To Expect When Treating Fire Ants With Borax.
Borax will kill both worker and queen fire ants. After you’ve applied the borax, you’ll need to wait anywhere from 1-3 days before you see signs of improvement in your fire ant population.
- How long do the ants live after they eat the borax?
After eating the borax, ants can live up to 3 weeks. They won’t be able to reproduce or travel far from their colony during this time period as their internal organs are slowly being dissolved by Borax (a process known as phagocytosis).
During this time, they’ll also become lethargic and sluggish which makes them easier targets for predators like birds or other insects. When it’s all said and done, there will be few ants left alive!
| Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduced Activity | Less fire ant activity observable a few days after the initial application of borax. |
| Continued Activity | Some fire ant activity may persist for several weeks before they are completely eradicated. |
| Gradual Reduction in Population | Over time, the number of fire ants will decrease gradually until the entire colony is eradicated. |
| No Harm to Surrounding Plants | Borax will not cause damage to surrounding plants when used according to instructions. |
| Safe for Humans and Pets | Borax is generally safe for humans and pets when used as directed, but pets and children should be kept away from the treated area until the solution dries. |
Borax Is A Natural, Effective Treatment For Pesky Fire Ants
Borax is a natural mineral that kills fire ants by dehydrating them. It can be used around the yard to kill any remaining colonies, in areas where children and pets play, and even in your home as needed.
Borax is inexpensive and easy to use: just sprinkle it directly on the mound or pour it into ant tunnels. Your local hardware store should carry borax or you can find it online at places like Amazon.com or Ebay.com
Want to get rid of fire ants without harming the environment? Borax is the answer. Our guide on Borax: The Eco-Friendly Way to Get Rid of Fire Ants for Good will show you how to use this natural remedy to eradicate fire ants from your yard, leaving your lawn safe and healthy for your family and pets.”
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that fire ants are here to stay. They can be a real nuisance if left untreated, but with a little bit of effort on your part and some borax (which is available at most hardware stores), you can get rid of these pests for good.
Further Reading
If you want to learn more about using borax and boric acid to get rid of ants, check out the following resources:
Ant Killer With Borax: Yes, It Really Works!: This article explains how to make and use a homemade ant killer with borax, sugar, and water to eliminate ants.
Eliminating Fire Ants With Boric Acid: This blog post provides detailed information on using boric acid to control fire ants, including step-by-step instructions for application.
How to Get Rid of Ants: This article covers various methods for controlling ants, including using boric acid, borax, and other natural remedies.
FAQs
How does borax/boric acid kill ants?
Borax and boric acid work by damaging or destroying the ant’s exoskeleton and interfering with its digestive system. When the ant ingests the substance, it causes dehydration, organ failure, or other lethal effects.
Is borax/boric acid safe to use around pets and children?
Borax and boric acid can be toxic to pets and children if ingested in large quantities. However, they are generally safe when used in small amounts and as directed. It’s important to keep pets and children away from the treatment area and to store the products in a secure location.
Can borax/boric acid kill other types of pests besides ants?
Yes, borax/boric acid can also be effective against other crawling insects such as cockroaches, silverfish, and earwigs. However, it may not be as effective against flying insects like mosquitoes or flies.
How long does it take to see results after using borax/boric acid for ant control?
The time it takes to see results can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the application method. Generally, it may take a few days to a week to notice a reduction in ant activity, and it may take up to several weeks to achieve complete eradication.
Are there any precautions I should take when using borax/boric acid for ant control?
Yes, it’s important to follow the label instructions carefully and avoid overusing the product. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling borax/boric acid, and avoid inhaling the dust or getting it in your eyes. Also, be mindful of the application area and avoid using the product near food preparation surfaces or areas where children or pets may come in contact.
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!
