Are you tired of red ants invading your yard and ruining your outdoor fun? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ve got the scoop on how to get rid of red ants outside permanently.
Things you need to get rid of red ants outside permanently…
Peppermint or Eucalyptus plants
Thick long sleeves
Now that you have all your tools and materials ready, let’s get rid of those annoying red ants…
Video: How to Get Rid of Red Ants Outside Permanently
Do you learn better via video? See our video on how to get rid of red ants outside permanently below…
Identify the ant species
When it comes to getting rid of ants, the first step is to identify the ant species that you are dealing with. This is important because different species require different methods of treatment.
To identify the ant species, you will need to observe the ants carefully. Look at the color, size, and shape of the ants. Examine the intensity of the red color of the ant. This can help you in identifying which species of red ant you are dealing with.
If you’re unsure whether the ants you’re dealing with are red ants, you can do a quick Google search for images of red ants to compare with the ants you have observed. You can also seek the help of an entomologist or pest control professional for proper identification.
If you misidentify the ant species, you may end up using the wrong treatment method, which can be ineffective and potentially make the problem worse. For example, using a fast-acting contact spray on carpenter ants may kill only the visible worker ants and not reach the colony, allowing the infestation to continue or even grow
Locate the ant nest
The ant nest is the source of the problem, and by finding it, you can eliminate the entire colony and prevent future infestations.
To locate the ant nest, you need to follow the trail of ants. Observe where they’re coming from and where they’re going. The ants will usually form a visible trail as they travel between the nest and their food source. You can follow this trail to find the nest.
The nest of red ants is typically found in moist soil, under rocks, or in piles of wood. They prefer to nest in areas that provide them with moisture and protection. Look for areas that are shaded and damp, as these are the places where they are most likely to build their nests.
If you’re having difficulty locating the nest, you can try using sweet bait. Place a small amount of honey or sugar water near the ant trail and observe where the ants are coming from. This will give you a better idea of where the nest might be located.
Clean up the area around the nest
This is an important step because it will expose the nest and make it easier to treat, which will increase your chances of eliminating the entire colony.
To clean up the area around the ant nest, start by removing any debris or plant material. This includes any leaves, twigs, or grass that are covering or near the nest. You can use a rake or broom to sweep the area around the nest and clear away any obstructions.
Be careful when cleaning up the area around the nest, as some types of red ants such as fire ants can be aggressive and sting if they feel threatened. Therefore, wear protective clothing such as gloves and long sleeves to avoid being stung.
Once you have cleared away the debris and plant material, the ant nest will become more visible. This will make it easier to apply treatment methods.
Note: Only clean up the area around the ant nest once you have located it. If you start cleaning up before you find the nest, you may inadvertently destroy it. This, in turn, will make it harder to eliminate the colony.
Pour boiling water into the nest
This is a simple yet effective way to kill red ants. The hot water will scald and kill the ants, as well as destroy the nest, which will help prevent future infestations.
When doing this task, be sure to wear protective clothing such as gloves and long sleeves to avoid being stung.
Slowly pour the boiling water directly into the nest. Try to pour it as close to the center of the nest as possible.
Red ants are known for their resilience, so it may take multiple attempts to completely eliminate the colony. Be patient and persistent, and continue pouring boiling water into the nest until you’re confident that the entire colony has been destroyed.
Pouring boiling water into the nest may not be effective for larger or more established colonies. In these cases, you may need to use other treatment methods to eliminate the colony.
Want more guides on getting rid of different types of ants? Visit this page: How to Get Rid of Ants — Everything You Need
Use diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that is made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are small aquatic organisms. The abrasive particles of diatomaceous earth can scratch the exoskeleton of ants, causing them to dehydrate and die.
First, purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth. Then, sprinkle the diatomaceous earth near the ant nest. Be sure to apply it in a thin, even layer, so that the ants will come into contact with it. You can also use a duster to apply the diatomaceous earth more evenly.
The diatomaceous earth should be reapplied after rainfall or heavy watering, as it can be washed away. It’s also a good idea to reapply the diatomaceous earth every few days to ensure that any new ants that come into the area are also eliminated.
When using diatomaceous earth, be sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, as it can be harmful if inhaled. It’s also important to keep the diatomaceous earth away from children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested.
Use boric acid
Boric acid is a white powder that is toxic to ants, but relatively safe for humans and animals to handle in small quantities. When mixed with sugar and water, it becomes an attractive bait that ants will carry back to the nest, killing the entire colony.
To use boric acid, mix one teaspoon of boric acid with one cup of sugar and one cup of warm water in a shallow dish. Stir the mixture until the boric acid and sugar are completely dissolved.
Next, place the shallow dish near the ant nest or along the ant trail. The ants will be attracted to the sweet scent of the bait and will carry it back to the nest.
Once the ants consume the boric acid bait, they will begin to die. The ants that survive will carry the bait back to the nest, where it will continue to kill ants until the entire colony is eliminated.
It may take several days or even weeks for the boric acid bait to eliminate the colony completely. Be patient and continue to replace the bait every few days until you’re confident that the entire colony has been eliminated.
Although boric acid is safe for humans, it’s best to handle it with care and keep it away from children and pets. Be sure to wear protective gloves and a mask when handling boric acid.
Use ant bait
Ant bait stations contain sweet bait that is toxic to ants, but relatively safe for humans and animals to handle.
You’ll need to purchase commercial ant bait stations. The bait stations will typically come pre-filled with sweet bait. Then, place the ant bait stations near the ant nest or along the ant trail. Be sure to place them in areas where children and pets won’t be able to access them.
The bait works the same way as the boric acid described in the previous method.
Use natural repellents
Natural repellents work by creating a barrier that ants won’t cross or by emitting a scent that repels them. Here are some natural repellents you can use:
Peppermint or Eucalyptus: Plant peppermint or eucalyptus around your yard to repel ants. These plants emit a scent that ants don’t like, making them less likely to enter your yard. You can also place peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil in a spray bottle and mix it with water. Spray this mixture near the ant nest to repel ants.
Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture near the ant nest to create a barrier that ants won’t cross. The strong scent of vinegar masks the scent trails that ants use to navigate, making it harder for them to find their way.
Lemon Juice: Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture near the ant nest to create a barrier that ants won’t cross. The acidic scent of lemon juice disrupts the pheromone trails that ants use to communicate with each other, making it harder for them to find their way.
When using natural repellents, bear in mind that they may not be as effective as other treatment methods, such as pouring boiling water or using ant bait. However, they can be an excellent preventative measure and can be used in combination with other treatment methods.