How to Get Rid of Red Ants Outside
By using boiling water along with natural insect poisons, you can kill red ants effectively without harming the environment. Boric acid and diatomaceous earth are two natural types of mineral pesticides. This project will not harm grass or vegetation surrounding red ant hills. For best results, kill red ants on a cool, sunny day, according to Victory Garden. Ants are usually closest to the surface of their mound during mid-morning. Wait for a dry day, without rain in the forecast to get rid of red ants outside. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ziploc bag
- Granulated sugar
- Boric acid
- Diatomaceous earth powder
- Small plastic grocery bag
- Laundry detergent
- Large cooking pots
- Wagon or wheel barrel
Instructions
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1
Cut open the pouring tip of your boric acid container with a knife and replace the cap. Make the opening fairly large to prevent clogging while you work on getting rid of red ants outside.
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2
Pour about 1/2 cup of granulated sugar into a zip-lock bag and seal. Place your containers of diatomaceous earth powder, boric acid and sugar into a plastic grocery bag and tie the bag.
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3
Boil 3 gallons of water for every red ant mound you want to eliminate. Turn off the heat and pour in 1 cup of laundry detergent for every 3 gallons.
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4
Cover your pots of hot soapy water to maintain heat. Use small pieces of duct tape or other means to secure the lids tightly to avoid splashing in transit to the mounds.
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5
Use a wagon or wheel barrel to cart your pots of hot water and the plastic bag of pesticides to the ant mounds. Tread lightly when approaching aggressive species of red ants to avoid being attacked.
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6
Stand at a distance and dust a thin layer of boric acid in a 1-foot-wide band around the perimeter of large red anthills. Move closer and use the scooper inside your diatomaceous earth container to sprinkle a thin layer over the mound. Leave a small bare spot in the middle to pour your boiling water.
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7
Dump 3 gallons of hot water down the center of the mound. Dust a little more poison over the center of the anthill. Sprinkle about a tablespoon's worth of sugar around the anthill to entice any surviving ants to crawl through the poisons.
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8
Move to the next mound and repeat Step 4 through Step 7.
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Tips & Warnings
For small anthills, use smaller amounts of hot water and poisons.
Scalding hot water, boric acid or diatomaceous earth powder will all stand alone to help get rid of red ants outside. When used together, however, red ants and their queen do not stand a chance.
Getting rid of red ants outside may seem like fun and games to curious little-ones. If you are a parent, get someone to watch them inside while you work.
If you are allergic to insect stings, find someone to complete this project for you. Although the pesticides are natural, keep leftover products out of reach of children or pets. Avoid inhaling the dust, skin contact or ingestion. Read warning labels on products.
References
- Photo Credit small forest ant image by Alexander Potapov from Fotolia.com
