How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Yard

Ants are a common summertime occurrence. They are a hard working, fascinating little insect. Unfortunately, when they are invading your yard, they may not seem so fascinating. Probably the only thing you’re worried about is getting rid of them. There are a number of poisons available on the market today that claim to kill ants on contact. These can also kill plants and other helpful insects, though, and they could be harmful to you and your family. Getting rid of an ant problem in your yard can be difficult, but it can be done.

Salt Water

If you know where the ants have made a nest, a strong mixture of boiling salt water can help eradicate it. It’s best to use this method in the cooler hours of the morning.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add a large amount of salt. If possible use a whole container of it. Let it boil to dissolve the salt as much as possible. Using gloves or oven mitts, immediately take the water outside to the anthill, and slowly pour it on top of and around the mound. Repeat this for the next few days.

Bleach

Liquid bleach can be poured directly into an ant hill to kill off the little pests, but if you want a less messy method, all you need in addition to the bleach is a plastic drink bottle. Keep in mind that bleach can kill plants, be very irritating to the skin, ruin clothes, and be toxic to people and pets.

Dig out enough of the ant hill so a 20 ounce plastic drink bottle will fit down into it. Poke some holes into the bottom of it, and pour bleach into it. Fit the bottle down into the hill so the bleach slowly drips out. The ants should be gone within a few days.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a popular home remedy to get rid of ants. This is the main ingredient in many ant colony exterminators, such as Terro. Although it is not very toxic, it can be harmful to small children and pets if swallowed, so use caution.

Mix one tablespoon of boric acid with one cup of sugar, and make a paste. Dollops of this paste can be put in small, shallow containers (jar lids are perfect for this) and set out around your yard. Pay special attention to the places that you see ants most often. The ants will take this back to the nest and kill off the colony.

Pipe Tobacco

Another home remedy to eradicate ants is to use pipe tobacco. Since tobacco can be highly toxic in concentrated form, always remember to wear rubber gloves when using this method. It can easily be absorbed through the skin.

Soak a package of pipe tobacco in hot water overnight. In the morning, strain the liquid into a large bowl. Squeeze out the tobacco leave, and throw them away. Pour the concentrated liquid down into an ant hill. Repeat for three days, if desired.

Instant Grits

A southern method to get rid of ants involves instant grits. Some southerners swear by this method, while some scoff at the idea. However, it’s completely non-toxic, so it’s worth a shot. When the ants take the instant grits back to the colony, the other ants feed on it. Since it is difficult, if not impossible, for an ant to digest the grits, they die.

Put piles of instant grits where you have seen ant activity. If you know where their hill is, you can also make piles on and around it. Cornmeal and Cream of Wheat is said to work in the same manner.