How to Remove the Source of the Fire Ants

How to Remove Red Ants

• 1

  Removing fire ant infestations can be a difficult challenge. A two-step approach to eradicate fire ants is often the most effective. This is a proven method of managing and reducing red imported fire ant populations. The two-step method involves applying a bait insecticide over your entire yard sometime between late August and the middle of October, waiting a week, then applying a mound drench, dust or granule insecticide to individual problem mounds.

• 2

  Attack the fire ant colonies on colder nights of the year, because fire ants are cold-blooded thus move slower. When fire ant mounds are disturbed, worker ants rush out and quickly climb up any vertical surface, such as blades of grass, sticks or legs of animals or people standing on or near the mound. Sluggish ants may be easier to spray or dust with insecticide when they are less mobile.

• 3

  Many people look for non-pesticide solutions to this sticky problem. Pouring approximately 3 gallons of very hot water directly into a mound will eliminate it about 60% of the time. Use this method on a cool sunny morning when the ants are close to the surface for maximum effect. Remember that the hot water may damage nearby plants -- and don't burn yourself!