6 Expert-Recommended Ways to Eliminate Fire Ants Quickly and Prevent Future Infestations

Key Points

Fire ants can cause painful stings and disrupt the ecosystem in your garden and beyond.

Regular checks of potted plants and thorough maintenance in your backyard can keep them away.

Diatomaceous earth, insecticides, and ant-repelling plants are all useful for getting rid of fire ants.

Aside from posing threats to people and their pets, fire ants can be bad for your garden and the surrounding ecosystem, too.

“Fire ants can disrupt the habitats of other native ants, plants, birds, and insects often found in gardens and backyards of American homes,” says entomologist Daniel Baldwin.

Their colonies can ruin landscaping, patios, and walkways, too. For the best plan of action, two entomologists shared expert advice on removing fire ants and doing so safely.

Meet the Expert

Jacob Cohn is an associated certified entomologist and COO at Arrow Termite & Pest Control.

Daniel Baldwin is a board-certified entomologist at Hawx Pest Control.

Check Potted Plants and Compost Piles

Potted plants and compost piles are great places for fire ant infestations to begin. When you buy new container plants for your garden, Baldwin recommends inspecting them for pests before introducing them to their new space.

The same goes for your compost pile, where various pests—including fire ants—are known to nest.

“It’s worth inspecting your compost before transferring it to other areas of the garden, which could spread an infestation,” Baldwin says.

Stay on Top of Yard Maintenance

Yard maintenance gives you plenty of opportunities to check for infestations and create a garden that’s not as enticing for these pests.

“Mow yards on a regular basis, as tall grass provides a moist habitat for fire ants,” Baldwin says. “Keep shrubs and overgrown vegetation well-pruned to increase the ground’s exposure to the sun.”

He also recommends removing any wooden boards or planks that aren’t serving a purpose and ensuring all rocks are secured to the ground so there are fewer chances for fire ants to set up a home.

Use Targeted Baiting Treatments

One effective way of removing fire ants from your property is with targeted baiting.

“When you use hydramethylnon or fipronil in bait, worker ants can carry the poison back to the colony,” entomologist Jacob Cohn explains. “This will kill the queen and the whole colony in two to four weeks.”

You can also target individual mounds with contact insecticides, but this isn’t a long-term solution. Doing so is a great way to begin the process and quickly put a damper on the problem. Professional treatments are also impactful and can last for up to six months.

Get the Right Gear

Safety gear is essential for dealing with fire ants. Cohn recommends closed-toe shoes, long pants, and gloves.

Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth

For an organic pesticide option, diatomaceous earth is a great option. However, it needs to be applied strategically so it impacts fire ants and doesn’t harm garden-friendly pollinators. A great perk is that it’ll get rid of other pests, too, not only fire ants.

“Its unique abrasive texture works by cutting through the waxy outer layer of insects, which dehydrates and then kills them,” says Cohn. “Simply sprinkle a small amount over problem areas that will help to eliminate pests.”

Incorporate Ant-Repelling Plants

Another way to banish these invasive pests is through strategic ant-repellent planting.

“Some plants, such as lavender, mint, or rosemary, have a smell that can discourage ants from approaching,” says Baldwin.

Find a Professional

Dealing with pests, particularly those that pose a threat to you and your garden, is often better left to the professionals. Large nests or fire ant infestations that won’t go away can be better handled by the experts.

“Early intervention is always more cost-effective and effective than dealing with established super-colonies, and fire ant colonies grow exponentially,” says Cohn.

Together with an expert, you can get a plan in place to get rid of fire ants and keep them away for good.

What Not to Do When Dealing With Fire Ants

Removing a fire ant colony from your backyard is possible, but there are several don’ts to keep in when you’re trying different methods. Here’s what our two experts recommend you avoid doing:

Don’t be laid-back about safety. Using chemicals and dealing with stinging/biting pests always requires safety equipment. If it feels like too much, speak to an expert.

Don’t expect one attempt. Ant colonies are often large, and it might be impossible to eradicate the nest in just one go. Expect to conduct your selected method several times.

Don’t use bleach, gasoline, or boiling water. “In addition to being hazardous and bad for the environment, these techniques usually only kill surface ants while pushing the colony farther underground,” says Cohn.

Don’t apply a blanket of insecticides. This harms other beneficial insects and is dangerous for animals, humans, and pets. Instead, use a targeted approach.

Don’t put off getting help. If the colony is too large or you’re overwhelmed by the problem, seek expert help.

Read the original article on The Spruce