Are There DIY Fire Ant Removal Options?
As we continue into fall and fire ants reach their peak for the season, you may be looking for options to rid your home of these pesky pests. Are there DIY fire ant removal options available? Do they work? The only surefire method to get rid of fire ants is to contact a professional pest control company. If you’re in a pinch, however, there are some things you can try. Continue reading to learn more from the team at PestNation.
Identify Fire Ant Mounds
Late spring, summer, and early fall are the prime times for fire ant activity. Typically, their ideal temperature range is between 72 and 96 degrees. However, as the temperature reaches 96 degrees, they remain underground. A fire ant mound can be recognized in two different ways. The mound can either be flat within the turf or dome-shaped. No matter the shape, neither will have an opening in the center. Fire ants travel underground and enter and exit from those tunnels.
Store Bought Options
Applying a fire ant control bait is one method for getting rid of fire ants that are already present. Direct application of fire ant control bait to fire ant mounds is not advised. Since the ants mistake the bait for food, they leave the colony in search of food and bring it back. The bait should be used on the lawn or a few feet away from the mounds for optimal results. You can purchase ant-killing remedies at your neighborhood home improvement store, but it’s likely that one application won’t be enough to eliminate the issue.
DIY Home Options
There are several do-it-yourself fire ant solutions. Pouring hot, boiling water straight onto the fire ant mound is one method for getting rid of them. This works well as a one-time treatment but is not a long-term fix. Pouring some grits on the mound would be another DIY solution. In the event that the ants do consume the grits, the moisture in their bodies will force the grits to expand, creating pressure inside the ants that will ultimately kill them. Unfortunately, this won’t always work every time. The final do-it-yourself approach is to soak the mounds in a mix of citrus oil, hot water, and dish soap. The fire ants may suffocate as a result of this mixture disintegrating their exoskeleton.
As mentioned, these options will likely be a temporary solution. That is why PestNation continues to provide quality pest control services to Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Contact us today at (678) 765-2226 to request a quote.