How to Get Rid of Fire Ant Nests

Locate the fire ant nest or nests on your property. Understand that because nests can sometimes go as deep as 15 feet beneath the ground surface, a combination of ant bait and liquid ant poison poured directly into the nest is most effective way to rid your property of fire ant nests.

Spread a fire ant bait insecticide that includes fipronil, hydramethlnon or bifenthrin in a 5-foot diameter area around the nest. While wearing a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, shoes and socks, spread the bait in the morning or evening, when fire ants are out foraging for food. Be extremely careful not to disturb the nest. Wait 14 days for the bait to migrate through the colony, killing many of the ants and hopefully, the queen or queens. Take care not to spread bait around vegetable gardens and to keep animals and children away from the baited area for 14 days. Wash hands and clothes after spreading bait.

Kill remaining fire ants in the nest by treating the nest directly with a liquid insecticide containing bifenthrin. Dissolve 1 oz. of insecticide into 1 gallon of water and gently pour the liquid on the mound in a light, steady stream until the entire gallon has been poured out on the mound and the mound itself begins to fold inward, causing the solution to soak through the surface and into the tunnels below. Apply in the early morning or late evening in cool weather for best results.