What is the best (organic?) way to deal with fire ants ?
by
Donna
+5
Fire ants are a huge problem in Texas. I don't like using things harmful to the environment, children, and/or pets. What are suggestions?
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Vinegar is my go to. A lot of people use cornmeal, either are safe around kids and pets and not harmful to the environment.
You could try diatomaceous earth (https://www.diatomaceousearth.com/) Its basically very fine dirt with sharp edges made from the calcified remains of plants. Apparently it cuts open the exoskeletons of insects as they walk over it, then they dehydrate. You have to refresh it after a rain, and maybe a windstorm, but if you get the food grade, it won't hurt your animals if they eat it.
As crazy as it seems, have you tried pouring boiling water down the hole? It might take two or three times within a few hours but I think it’d do the trick.
I'm from Florida and my friends and I use boiling water on the fire ant hills. Probably not the most efficient solution, but it's handy and it's cheap.
food grade diatomaceous earth
vinagar white or bleach
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth. It is safe enough for humans, babies, cats and dogs to eat, yet it will kill crawling insects. It can even be used on an Organic garden per Dr. Mercola.