In small populations, outdoor ants usually don't cause much trouble. However, when a large-scale invasion occurs or ants start to enter the house, you need to get out of the house and kill the ant colony all the way to the nest. With chemical pesticides or ingredients available at home, you can eradicate an entire colony of ants in no time!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Pesticides
Step 1. Spray a non-repellent spray product (not repellent spray) on the nest to kill the ants at the source
Mix 25 ml of pesticide with 4 liters of water in a pump spray and spray the mixture on every anthill mound in the yard. This mixture does not kill the ants immediately, but the population or colony is usually under control within a week. Non-repellent pesticides create a kind of "barrier" through which ants can pass so that the toxins contained are carried back by ants that pass to the nest.
- Pay attention to the source of the arrival of ants in the yard. Ant colonies may be near homes, along fences, or in sidewalk cracks. Look for small earthen mounds to find ant nests.
- Limit pesticide use to once every six months.
Step 2. Spray pesticide around the house to prevent ants from entering your home
Spray a non-repellent pesticide using a garden sprinkler. Hold and point the tip of the sprinkler within 15 centimeters above the ground, then spray the pesticide on the corners and walls of the foundation of the house (up to a height of 30 centimeters). Also spray pesticides on cable boxes, pipe connections, and other areas where ants pass in and out of the house.
- Also spray pesticides around windows and doorways.
- Use pesticides when the wind is not blowing so that the mixture doesn't get carried away by the wind when you target specific areas.
Step 3. Spread a granular pesticide around the yard for more widespread ant spread or infestation
Granular pesticides contain toxins that ants will carry into their nests because they are "considered" as food. Pour a bag of granular pesticide into the garden spreader kit and carry the device around the garden. The device will spread the pesticide around the yard in maximum coverage.
- Some granular pesticide products have a built-in shaker so you can apply them directly to concentrated areas.
- Make sure pets and children stay indoors for at least an hour to allow pesticides to dry before visiting the yard.
- Mow the lawn before applying granular pesticides to allow the pesticide grains to touch the soil.
Step 4. Use bait traps near the house to control ants without having to take any active action
Place traps in places where ants usually enter and leave your house. Bait traps have pellets that attract the attention of ants and contain poison that can kill the ants when ingested. After a month, throw out the old traps.
- Some traps contain strong-scented liquids that can attract attention and trap ants inside.
- This method may take several weeks for the results to be visible.
- Bait traps can be purchased at your local home or garden supply store.
Method 2 of 2: Killing Ants with Natural Ingredients
Step 1. Pour soapy water into the nest mound as a safer solution
Mix 5-10 ml of mild dish soap with 4 liters of warm water. Carefully pour the mixture into each anthill in the yard. The heat and soap will kill the ants and prevent the colony from escaping the nest.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for more control over the output of the mixture.
- Use water early in the morning or in the evening when most of the ant population is still in the nest.
- Hot or boiling water can damage the plants around the nest so be careful when pouring the mixture or hot water near plants that you want to keep or care for.
Step 2. Spray boric acid on the nest to kill the ant population within a few days
You can use a diluted solution of boric acid or powdered boric acid mixed with warm water. Add 3 tablespoons of boric acid with 200 grams of sugar that has been mixed with 700 ml of warm water to create a sweet solution that can attract the attention of ants. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then spray on any ant nests and "traffic" paths you see around your yard or home. Within a few days, you can already see the results.
- Boric acid is toxic to humans and animals if it is swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed into the skin. Never use boric acid in food preparation areas (eg kitchens), and wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself when you use boric acid.
- Rinse or clean the target area of any residual boric acid.
Step 3. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the nest mound to eradicate the ant colony
Use horticultural diatomaceous earth (DE) to prevent the plants in your yard from dying. Sprinkle DE around the anthill, as well as any ant traffic lanes you see in the yard. As a precaution, sprinkle DE around the house to prevent ants from getting in.
- Diatomaceous earth dries the fluids inside the ant's body and kills it within a few days or weeks.
- Wear a dust-proof mask so you don't inhale ED when you spread it.
- DE is safe to use in the yard, and will not harm children and pets.
Step 4. Make a repellent spray of orange peel and vinegar to keep ants away
Mix equal proportions of water and vinegar in a saucepan, then add 2-3 orange peels. Let the mixture boil on the stove before turning off the heat. Soak the orange peel overnight before you transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the solution and spray the solution all over the hives.
- This method works to repel ants, not kill them.
- Use a blender to mix the orange peel with the water and vinegar to get a thick solution that will kill the ants when exposed.
Step 5. Pour glue directly on the nest mound to seal any openings or nest holes
Take a bottle of white glue on the anthill to seal the hole and fill the nest. Glue can kill many of the ants trapped in the nest, while the ants that manage to “escape” can be expelled to a new nest.
Step 6. Sprinkle baby powder around the nest to keep ants away from the yard
Ants usually stay away from talcum products, especially products like baby powder that have a strong smell. Sprinkle baby powder around the nest and use a funnel to insert the baby powder directly into the nest.
Sprinkle baby powder around the house to keep ants away
Step 7. Apply essential oil on the driveway to keep ants away from the house
Use clove or citron oil to kill ants and prevent more ants from entering your home. Use a cotton swab to apply the oil to areas where ants can get into the house. Repeat the process every three days until you no longer see any ants.
Dilute 15 drops of essential oil with 120 ml of water in a spray bottle, then spray the mixture directly on the anthill for direct contact
Warning
- Most ant poison products are also toxic to humans and animals. Therefore, avoid using it near children or pets. Wear gloves and a face mask to prevent skin contact with ant poison.
- Allow the pesticide to dry for at least an hour before allowing pets and children to play in the yard.
