Organic Soil Treatment
Getting rid of fire ants naturally can be done by treating the soil with a few organic products such as vinegar, soap, lemon juice and food grade diatomaceous earth. Many experts suggest that one of the most effective ways to eliminate fire ant infestations is by combining these products. Simply make a solution of one tablespoon of dish soap, two tablespoons of vinegar and two tablespoons of lemon juice in a gallon of water and evenly spraying the solution on the area being attacked.
When properly applied, the solution will coat the fire ants, making them unable to breathe and killing them. It takes several applications to get rid of all the fire ants, but it usually works quite well. Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled on the ant hills, as well, which will repel incoming ants and kill those already present in the mound. Finally, citrus-based organic sprays have been known to work in getting rid of fire ants, as well.
Assessment and Prevention
It is important to assess your own yard and diagnose the issue. Fire ant colonies prefer to build their mounds in dry, well-drained soil in sunny locations. Take note of where the mounds are located, situating yourself 10-15 feet away. The ants will often swarm, so be sure to stay at a safe distance. It is important to note that while the smell of an gathering fire ants may be unpleasant, they are largely harmless and will not cause any harm unless disturbed. If this happens, the ants may become defensive and sting or bite multiple times.
To prevent fire ants from entering your yard, use a natural pesticide or create a buffer zone that they can not pass. However, to effectively get rid of existing mounds, you may need to use a combination of the above mentioned treatments. It is important to be patient and understand that getting rid of these insects requires more than a single treatment. Be sure to monitor the area and reapply the products if necessary.
Using Baits
Baits are another way to get rid of fire ants naturally. Applying a bait to the ant mounds can also be an effective way of exterminating the fire ants. These baits are usually a combination of cornmeal, sugar and an insecticide, such as hydramethylnon, that is designed to be slow-acting so that the worker ants will bring the contaminated food back to the nest and feed to the queen. When the worker ants feed the queen, she will eventually die, thus eradicating her entire colony.
For best results, be sure to apply the bait to several mounds in the yard at once. Make sure the bait is applied generously so that the ant workers can carry enough of it back to the colony for the entire colony to be eliminated. Depending on the size of the colony, it might take up to few weeks for the colony to be eradicate, but it is usually effective if carried out correctly.
Apply Ant Repellant
Another way to get rid of fire ants naturally is to apply a natural ant repellant to the area, such as peppermint or tea tree oil. Simply mix a few drops of each with water and spray directly onto the ant mounds and surrounding areas. These repellants mask the scent trails that the fire ants use to communicate, thus making it difficult for the fire ants to find food and traverse the yard. The oils also act as a deterrent, and will eventually force the ants to find another place to live.
While you may need to reapply the repellant every now and then, it is an effective and natural way to get rid of fire ants from your yard. Be sure to choose an all-natural and safe ant repellant – an especially strong repellant might cause more harm than good.
Using Insecticides
Insecticides are another way to get rid of fire ants naturally, but it is important to be aware of the fact that some insecticides can be harmful to the environment. For this reason, it is best to opt for natural methods whenever possible. Many home gardeners suggest that pyrethrin-containing products are effective at controlling fire ants. Pyrethrins are natural compounds derived from the chrysanthemum plant, and they work by paralyzing insect nerve cells and killing the insects quickly. Pyrethrins are also less persistent in the environment than traditional insecticides, making them safer to use.
However, it is important to read product labels carefully and use the product according to the instructions in order to minimize environmental impacts. Depending on the type of pyrethrins used, it may take up to several days for the fire ants to be eliminated. Additionally, some experts suggest that combining the use of pyrethrins with other natural control methods is often even more effective.
Introducing Natural Predators
Introducing natural predators, such as phosphorescent beetles, is another way to get rid of fire ants naturally. Phosphorescent beetles are attracted to the fire ant’s larvae, and they will feed on them, thus helping to reduce the fire ant population. This method may take several weeks or even months to achieve results, but it can be effective if carried out consistently.
These beetles are native to some regions of the United States, and they can generally be purchased at local gardens or home improvement stores. It is important to note that introducing beetles may also result in the introduction of other undesirable insects as well. Thus, this should be carefully considered before opting for this method.
Using Environmental Changes
Certain environmental changes may also help to get rid of fire ants naturally. Fire ants prefer to live in dry, well-drained soil, so increasing soil moisture can be an effective way to deter them. Watering your yard frequently, or even installing a sprinkler system, can reduce the likelihood of fire ants setting up shop in your yard. It is also important to keep the grass and other vegetation relatively low, as these ants enjoy residing in taller grass and thick vegetation.
Finally, keeping a clean yard free of potential food sources, such as food scraps or pet food, can also reduce ant infestations, as these are prime spots for foraging ants. If you have pets, provide them with pet food and water bowls that are kept clean and free of spilled food.
Additional Considerations
In addition to using some of the measures discussed above, it is important to be mindful of any existing ant trails. Fire ants are known to travel long distances across lawns, sidewalks and roads. It is thus important to keep an eye out for any trails and to treat them with an appropriate insecticide or natural remedy. Additionally, if your home is located near or surrounded by woodlands, treating those areas may also help reduce the fire ant population.
Overall, it is possible to get rid of fire ants naturally using some of the methods discussed above. However, it is important to be patient, consistent, and to monitor the area for any new colonies or ant trails. As with any pest control, natural remedies and insecticides should only be used if necessary and according to the instructions on the product label.
