What Can You Use to Kill Fire Ants?

Using a contact insecticide to kill fire ants is one way to control an ant problem. You can apply liquid drenches or granular insecticides to mounds or the surrounding area. The amount of water you use depends on the insecticide.

Liquid drenches and granular insecticides can be mixed with water to apply to individual mounds. The mound treatment is then left undisturbed for several days.

Insect growth regulators are used in baits to interfere with the development of immature ants. Baits should be placed near areas where ants are foraging. This includes around windowsills, doors, and drains.

Some baits have both fast acting and slow acting ingredients. The slow-acting baits will kill adult ants in a few weeks. Some fast-acting baits will kill adult ant in a few days.

Diatomaceous earth is another way to control fire ants. It is made from shells of microscopic sea creatures. It is ground into a powder. It then soaks into the soil. When ants touch the ground, the diatomaceous earth scrapes against their exoskeletons and kills them.

Boiling water is also a good way to kill ants. It will kill the mound, but it will also scald you.

If you need to clean a surface, you can use a vinegar and water solution. The acid in the vinegar will disrupt ants’ scent trails, killing them.

Soapy water can also kill ants. This solution is good for cleaning tile and counters. Adding cooking oil will increase the effectiveness of the soapy water solution.