How to Get Rid of Fire Ants

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Fire ants are one of the most infamous ant species, best known for their bright red color and their bites. They also are known for building ant mounds, oftentimes right on our properties. 

Not only are mounds an unpleasant sight to see, but they also host a swarm of stinging insects. This can be very dangerous for your family and especially your pets and kids, who would much rather not endure the sting of a fire ant. In addition to causing problems at home, an ant infestation on the sidewalk of your business may deter potential customers.

In general, it’s best to let a professional ant exterminator help you get rid of fire ants. Need help with fire ant control? Contact Active Pest Control today.

Professional Fire Ant Control Methods

Fire ants are resilient pests, making them challenging to manage without effective strategies. Professional control methods are designed to tackle infestations at their source, offering a comprehensive approach to eliminating fire ants from your property. 

These techniques require specialized knowledge, tools, and handling of potent chemicals, which is why they are best performed by licensed pest control professionals. Below, we outline the most effective methods.

Ant Baits

Ant baits are a powerful way to get rid of fire ant colonies. Worker ants take the bait back to their nest and share it with the queen and young ants. Some baits work by slowly poisoning the ants, giving them time to spread it throughout the colony before they die. Others stop new ants from growing, so the colony weakens and disappears over time. 

Contact Insecticides

Contact insecticides get rid of fire ants right away when sprayed or spread on their mounds. They work by attacking the ants’ nervous system, stopping them quickly. Some types keep working for weeks, creating a barrier that keeps new ants from coming in. Others use natural ingredients to break down the ants’ outer layer, drying them out. 

Mound Treatments

Targeting individual fire ant mounds can be a highly effective way to deal with localized infestations. Pest control companies can eliminate fire ant colonies by:

• Drenching: Pouring liquid insecticide directly into the mound, which penetrates deep to kill the queen and larvae.
• Dusting: Applying insecticide dust to the mound surface allows ants to spread the treatment internally as they move.
• Injection: Specialized equipment injects insecticide directly into the mound, ensuring thorough distribution.

These treatments involve handling potent chemicals and equipment that can pose risks if not used safely. Our licensed professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to treat fire ant infestation safely. 

Natural Methods and Home Remedies

When you have just a couple of fire ant mounds in your lawn, you may be able to get rid of them naturally. This DIY fire ant pest control includes the following steps: However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations. These methods are often ineffective in eliminating entire colonies and need to be combined with professional treatments for long-term results.

How to Get Rid of Red Ants Nests in the Lawn

Fire ant nests on your lawn can be a frustrating problem for homeowners, but there are several methods to tackle them effectively. Below are some DIY solutions for removing red ant nests from your lawn, along with a reminder that professional services may be needed for complete eradication.

Digging: Wear gloves, shoes, and protective clothing to prevent injury. Dig around midday when most ants are in the mound. Remove the entire mound along with an extra foot of soil beneath it. Place the ants and soil into a bucket. To eliminate them, pour hot soapy water over the mound or relocate them elsewhere on your property. This method helps reduce ant populations but may not completely eradicate the colony.

Baking soda and vinegar:  Begin by pouring a liberal amount of baking soda into the mound. If you’re dealing with a larger mound, start by poking a few holes into the mound with a stick, and proceed to pour. Once you have adequately covered the entirety of the mound, follow up with the vinegar.These two combined ingredients will sufficiently remove the ant mound, and will not pose safety risks to you and your family. Since this fire ant control method will cause damage to the surrounding area, it’s best to come prepared with fresh soil to mend the affected grass.

Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water directly into the mound can kill some ants on contact, including the queen, if the water penetrates deeply enough. 

Diatomaceous Earth: This natural powder, made from fossilized algae, dehydrates ants when they come into contact with it.

Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic organisms are natural predators of many soil-dwelling pests, including some species of ants. When introduced into the soil, nematodes release bacteria that kill fire ants.

Apply an Ant Bait: Ant baits can be effective for long-term control. Place bait stations near the nest or along ant trails. 

While these methods may reduce fire ant activity temporarily, they often fail to eradicate the colony entirely. Professional ant control services are strongly recommended for a thorough and long-lasting solution.

Preventing Fire Ant Infestations

The best way to avoid dealing with fire ants is to prevent them from settling on your property in the first place. 

Make Your Yard Less Appealing

Fire ants thrive in environments that provide food, shelter, and moisture. To deter them, it is important to minimize moisture by fixing leaky faucets, sprinklers, or pipes that create damp areas. Proper drainage is essential to prevent water pooling, especially after heavy rainfall.

Maintaining a clean yard also plays a key role in prevention: Removing food scraps, pet food, trash, and debris such as logs or woodpiles eliminates potential nesting and feeding sites. Finally, regular lawn care is equally important. Mowing grass, aerating compacted soil, and using mulch sparingly can make your yard less hospitable to fire ants.

Natural Predators

Encouraging natural predators can help keep fire ant populations under control as part of a balanced ecosystem. Birds, such as sparrows and starlings, feed on ants and can be attracted by installing bird feeders and birdbaths or planting native vegetation that produces seeds and berries. Similarly, lizards like anoles and geckos are efficient insect hunters. 

While these preventative methods can help deter fire ants, they are not foolproof. Fire ants are highly adaptable and may still establish colonies despite your efforts. 

Fire Ant Safety Tips

Fire ants are aggressive and can pose a serious threat when they feel their colony is disturbed. It’s essential to understand how to avoid stings and how to treat them if they occur properly.

Avoiding Stings

The best way to stay safe around fire ants is to take precautions and be mindful of your surroundings. When spending time outdoors, wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes, especially in areas where fire ants are known to nest. Avoid walking barefoot or wearing sandals in grassy or sandy areas, as fire ants can easily sting exposed skin.

Be extra cautious when working or playing in areas with fire ant mounds, as fire ants are territorial and quick to defend their nests. If you notice ant activity, give the area a wide berth and avoid disturbing the ground. It’s also important to keep children and pets away from mounds or areas with visible ant trails, as they may unknowingly provoke the ants.

Treating Fire Ant Stings

If you are stung by a fire ant, quick action can help reduce pain and discomfort. The CDC recommends treating fire ant stings immediately. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce itching and swelling. If you or someone else shows signs of an allergic reaction, the CDC suggests seeking medical help right away. 

When to Call a Professional

If you’re outmatched by the number of mounds on your property, or if you want to avoid damage to your lawn, it may be time to consider help from the experts. The ant exterminators at Active Pest Control know how to get rid of fire ants quickly and safely. We offer fire ant pest control options that fit your needs and eliminate fire ant problems for good!

Fire ants are highly adaptive and can quickly rebuild their colonies, making it challenging to eliminate them yourself. Active Pest Control brings the expertise, tools, and effective solutions to tackle severe or recurring infestations, ensuring the problem is dealt with thoroughly and safely.

Signs You Need Help

• Large Infestations: Multiple mounds spread across your property indicate that the infestation has expanded beyond what you can effectively manage with DIY methods. 
• Recurring Problems: If fire ants return year after year or multiple attempts at control don’t seem to work, it’s time to consult a professional.
• Sensitive Areas: Nests near high-traffic areas, playgrounds, gardens, or the foundation of your home can pose a safety risk.