How to Get Rid of Ants

There are all different kinds of ants. This guide will help identify what type of ant you are dealing with, and also provide some solutions to get rid of each.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boric acid
• Windex
• Water
• Insecticide
• Boiling Water

1. 

   What type of ant(s) are you facing?
   
   Pavement Ant
   
   
   Where Found: All over the United States.
   This is the most common type of ant. You've probably seen them on your sidewalk or driveway. They're the little brown ants that scurry around. and leave small tell-tale mounds of dirt. They're also commonly known as the house ant.
   
   
   Getting Rid of them:
   
   To get rid of these, just use the commercially available ant traps that you can find in your grocery or hardware store. It's the best way.

2. 

   Pharoah Ant
   
   Where Found: South-East USA
   
   
   
   Getting Rid of them:
   
   Again, the best way to tackle these is just to use the commercially available 'sweet' ant bait traps available at your local grocery or hardware store.

3. 

   Argentine Ants
   
   Where Found: South-East USA and California
   
   
   
   Getting Rid of them:
   The best way to get rid of Argentine ants is to spread incesticide, like Diazinon in the outdoor areas affected.
   
   For inside the house, use regular ant traps instead.

4. 

   Fire Ant
   
   Where Found: South-East USA and the West Coast
   
   
   
   Getting Rid of them:
   
   You can bait these types of ants using an insecticide called Hydramethylon. It's found in brands such as Amdro, Maxforce and Siege. Note that Fire ant colonies often have a few entrances, so it's best to tackle all of them at once.
   
   Be careful when you are near these nests. You do not want to disturb them and be in their way - they can be dangerous.

5. 

   Carpenter Ants
   
   Where Found: All over the USA
   
   
   
   Getting Rid of them:
   
   Carpenter ants could be hiding anywhere. The get rid of Carpenter ants, you first need to locate their nests within your home. You can do that by locating their nest within walls or floors. You can usually here them by listening of rustling noise - use a glass against the wall or floor! Once you locate the nest, drill a hole and spray an aerosol incestide into the hole. One popular brand is called Birtox.

6. 

   A solution for Ant Nests: Boiling Water!
   
   Just boil up a kettle and pour the water into the nest. It's (almost) free, completely natural and not very dangerous or toxic.
   
   You may not get rid of the ant permanently the first time, but if you persist they will probably eventually leave.

7. How to apply insecticide:
   
   You should apply on and around the nest, together with possible entry points for the ants. Entry points would include doors, windows, cracks in walls, even waste pipes.

Tips & Warnings

• Boric acid (Borax) is a common ingredient is many mixtures. It's 100% natural. You can make up a mixture with 1 cup of warm water, 1/2 cup of sugar and two table spoons of Boric Acid.
• You can use Diatomaceous Earth to line the perimeter of your house and places you don't want ants.
• Whole Cloves have also been used as a natural ant control.
• Be careful when using insecticide. Cover your skin, eyes and mouth when applying. Especially when applying the aerosol based insecticide.

[believeinfamily]

on 8/29/2009 5*. Your article on getting rid of ants is really useful and educational. Nicely done. :)

[dorseyoriginals]

on 7/15/2009 Frank, Thanks so much for these simple ideas. Boiling water...I never thought of that.First thing tomorrow morning I'll be starting my boiling pots. The FIRE ANTS should feel right at home. DEATH to them ALL! (Sorry PETA, no traps please.)~*Peace*~ Brenda/D.O. 5*s

[ashfeather]

on 6/3/2009 Can you really hear them? The black ones? I need to get rid of em!

[mariotit]

on 5/20/2009 excellent information, thanks

[AbbyNormal]

on 8/28/2008 First of all, the pictures give me the creeps. That said, great article and well written!