How to Eliminate Fire Ants

Serving Albuquerque and Taos

Fire ants have been spreading in New Mexico for many years; at this point, you can find them all over the state. If these invasive ants make their way onto your property, there are a few things you should know about how to get rid of them. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about identifying and eliminating fire ants at your home or business.

Common DIY Fire Ant Control Methods

If you spot fire ants, the common reaction is to want to try to take care of the problem yourself. Here are two of the most popular DIY fire ant control tactics:

• Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is tiny fossils of sea life. The sharp crystals crack their exoskeletons and drain them of moisture, dehydrating and killing them. While diatomaceous earth is effective at killing fire ants, the challenge is eliminating the entire colony. You will have to be very strategic with your placement of the diatomaceous earth and be persistent with it. 
• Boiling water: Pouring boiling water down an ant hill will eliminate any ants that come in contact with it. However, it can be difficult to eliminate an entire colony and it will also take out any plants whose roots are hit. Therefore, we recommend being careful with boiling water in your yard.
• Store-bought products: These products can be effective, but they can also be dangerous to children, pets, and plants when used incorrectly. Make sure to follow the instructions precisely and speak with a professional if you have questions.

How to Prevent Fire Ants in Your Yard

Fire ant hills can quickly form and often do without you noticing. Many people don’t realize they have fire ants in their yard until they stumble into the nest and end up with an unpleasant surprise. The best way to avoid this fate and prevent fire ants is to remove the resources they need to survive. Here are a few recommendations:

• Always check with your landscaper or plant nursery when bringing new trees, bushes, or mulch into your yard to ensure there are no fire ants.
• Trim back bushes, trees, and other plants to eliminate opportunities for shaded shelter. 
• Pick ripe fruit and collect dropped fruit to prevent fire ants from finding accessible food.
• Use mulch sparingly as it’s a source of moisture that fire ants love. When mulching, make sure to keep it away from the foundation of your home.
• If you find displaced dirt popping up on your lawn or elsewhere in your yard, check for red ants. If it is a fire ant hill, act quickly to get rid of it. 

Fire Ant Control for New Mexico Homes and Businesses

If you’re searching for a safe and reliable way to get rid of fire ants, reach out to your local ant exterminators. The team at New Mexico Pest Control understands fire ant behavior and biology and we can craft a dependable solution for you. 

We can get rid of your fire ant hills, identify the reasons for their arrival, and teach you how to prevent them on your own going forward. Call us today to get started!