How to Get Rid of Ants Outside

An ant-infested yard can lead to an ant-infested house. If you have anthills popping up everywhere, you need to take action to prevent them from coming inside. You can use a number of different methods, from boiling water to caulking to applying insecticides. You can use each of these methods on their own or combine them for a heavy infestation.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Using Ant Baits

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    Baits are the most effective way to kill ants because they take the poison back to their nests. [1]
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    [2] You need both sugary baits and protein/grease baits to draw out different types of ants. [3]
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    Baits draw ants in, so they won't be effective if you place them in an area with a chemical that repels them. [4]
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    You can use stakes or plastic bait containers. Some are one-time use, while others can be refilled. Refillable ones can be useful if you have a continual problem. [5]
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    Choose places near anthills and trails. Keep them away from areas where pets or kids will be, as they are poisonous. [6]
    • Space them about 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 m) away from each other. [7]
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    These types of baits take awhile to work, as the ants must carry them throughout their nests. [8]
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    As they get low, add more insecticide to keep the ants well-fed with pesticide. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Pouring Boiling Water on Anthills

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    Killing anthills with boiling water is effective, but it takes a great deal of water and labor. Use this method if you only have a few anthills.
    • This method is more environmentally friendly than other methods, so choose this one if that's a concern for you.
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    You will need a large amount of water for each anthill. Boil a large soup pot of water per anthill. [10]
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    Using protective gloves, remove the pot from the stove. [11]
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    Find the nearest anthill you want to kill. [12]
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    Be careful, as both the water and steam can burn you. [13]
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    The boiling water also kills grass and other plants. Be careful to keep it just in the anthill. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Applying an Anthill Treatment

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    Because it takes a lot of work, only use it if you have a few anthills.
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    You have options such as liquid drenches, aerosols, or solids. All are effective if you use them right.
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    Ants like good weather, and they will be closer to the top of the anthill. The products only kill on contact.
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    Water solids such as granules or powder to push them into the mound. You also inject aerosols into the ground and pour liquids.
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    For instance, if you add insecticide to a watering can, don't use that for watering later.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Using Insecticide on the Yard

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    The insecticide will be more effective if it can reach the soil. [15]
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    [16] Your insecticide should contain bifenthrin, and you can use either granules or a spray. [17]
    • Also, check to make sure your insecticide is meant for the outdoors. [18]
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    Insecticides can be dangerous, so follow any directions on the bottle. [19]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Get-Rid-of-Ants-Outside-Step-22-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Ants-Outside-Step-22-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Get-Rid-of-Ants-Outside-Step-22-Version-2.jpg\/aid884433-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Ants-Outside-Step-22-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spray near dawn or in the early evening. More ants will be out during that time. [20]
    • For granules, use push spreader. You'll need to water the lawn after applying the treatment.
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    If you still have active ants, you can spray the yard again. [21]
    • Some granule treatments, such as fipronil insecticides, last for a year.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Checking the Perimeter

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    Look for cracks in the walls, windows, and doors. Walk around the outside of your home.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Get-Rid-of-Ants-Outside-Step-25-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Ants-Outside-Step-25-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Get-Rid-of-Ants-Outside-Step-25-Version-2.jpg\/aid884433-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Ants-Outside-Step-25-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [22] Ants can enter in small areas, so fill as many as you can find. [23]
    • Use a silcone-based caulk meant for the outdoors. It must hold up against the weather. Also, don't forget you'll need a caulking gun.
    • Don't cut the tube too far down. You need to cut it low enough to release enough caulk but not so far that it globs all over the place.
    • Apply even pressure, and fill in the gap with caulk. With a glove on, smooth the caulk down.
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    You need to remove the smell that ants leave behind, as it is the trail they follow. [24]
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    Don't forget to spray under the doors. [25]
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    Go around the outside of the house, spraying insecticide as you go. Don't forget to spray around the windows, as well. [26]
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  • Question
    What's the best way to get rid of ants outside my home?
    Scott McCombe
    Pest Control Specialist
    Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.
    Scott McCombe
    Pest Control Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Try putting out bait traps for the ants to kill the colony. If the ants are getting inside, be sure to fill any cracks or gaps around the exterior of your home.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html
      2. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.
      3. ↑ http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/antcontroloutside.htm
      4. ↑ http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/antcontroloutside.htm
      5. ↑ http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html
      6. ↑ http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html
      7. ↑ http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html
      8. ↑ http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html
      9. ↑ http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html
      1. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/dealing-with-ants/project
      2. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/dealing-with-ants/project
      3. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/dealing-with-ants/project
      4. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/dealing-with-ants/project
      5. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/dealing-with-ants/project
      6. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-507402866
      7. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.
      8. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-507402866
      9. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/dealing-with-ants/project
      10. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/dealing-with-ants/project
      11. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-507402866
      12. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-507402866
      13. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.
      14. ↑ http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/ants.htm
      15. ↑ http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/ants.htm
      16. ↑ http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/ants.htm
      17. ↑ http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/ants.htm

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To kill ants outside, buy bait traps at a local department or hardware store. Then, place the bait traps around your yard near ant hills and ant trails. However, make sure the bait traps aren’t near areas where you’ve sprayed insecticide, as the ants will avoid these locations. Refill your ant baits when they look low or dried out. As a natural alternative, you can pour boiling hot water over the ant hill to kill the ants. For more tips, such as how to apply an insecticide, read on!

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