How to Get Rid of Ants Outside

Co-authored by Scott McCombe

Last Updated: May 25, 2021 References

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

1
Use this method as the first line of defense. Baits are the most effective way to kill ants because they take the poison back to their nests.^{[1]
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University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
Research-based pest management program run by the University of California's Cooperative Extension
Go to source}
2
Buy a range of ant baits.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.} You need both sugary baits and protein/grease baits to draw out different types of ants.^{[3]
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3
Don't place them near where you've sprayed insecticide. 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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4
Pick a type of bait station. 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]
X
Trustworthy Source
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
Research-based pest management program run by the University of California's Cooperative Extension
Go to source}
5
Place the baits. Choose places near anthills and trails. Keep them away from areas where pets or kids will be, as they are poisonous.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
Research-based pest management program run by the University of California's Cooperative Extension
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- Space them about 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 m) away from each other.^{[7]
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  Trustworthy Source
  University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
  Research-based pest management program run by the University of California's Cooperative Extension
  Go to source}
6
Wait patiently. These types of baits take awhile to work, as the ants must carry them throughout their nests.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
Research-based pest management program run by the University of California's Cooperative Extension
Go to source}
7
Refill traps as needed. As they get low, add more insecticide to keep the ants well-fed with pesticide.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
Research-based pest management program run by the University of California's Cooperative Extension
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Pouring Boiling Water on Anthills

1
Know when to use this method. 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.
2
Boil water. 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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3
Remove the pot from the stove. Using protective gloves, remove the pot from the stove.^{[11]
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4
Take the water outside. Find the nearest anthill you want to kill.^{[12]
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5
Pour the water on the anthill. Be careful, as both the water and steam can burn you.^{[13]
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6
Avoid the surrounding area. 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

1
Know when to use this method. Because it takes a lot of work, only use it if you have a few anthills.
2
Choose a product. You have options such as liquid drenches, aerosols, or solids. All are effective if you use them right.
3
Pick a nice day. Ants like good weather, and they will be closer to the top of the anthill. The products only kill on contact.
4
Apply as directed. Water solids such as granules or powder to push them into the mound. You also inject aerosols into the ground and pour liquids.
5
Do not reuse containers for other purposes. For instance, if you add insecticide to a watering can, don't use that for watering later.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Using Insecticide on the Yard

1
Mow the yard. The insecticide will be more effective if it can reach the soil.^{[15]
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2
Choose an insecticide.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.} Your insecticide should contain bifenthrin, and you can use either granules or a spray.^{[17]
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- Also, check to make sure your insecticide is meant for the outdoors.^{[18]
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3
Read the manufacturer's instructions. Insecticides can be dangerous, so follow any directions on the bottle.^{[19]
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4
Spray or spread the yard. Spray near dawn or in the early evening. More ants will be out during that time.^{[20]
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- For granules, use push spreader. You'll need to water the lawn after applying the treatment.
5
Spray again in a month and a half. If you still have active ants, you can spray the yard again.^{[21]
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- Some granule treatments, such as fipronil insecticides, last for a year.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Checking the Perimeter

1
Take a tour of your home. Look for cracks in the walls, windows, and doors. Walk around the outside of your home.
2
Fill any cracks with caulk.^{[22]
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Expert Source

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.} Ants can enter in small areas, so fill as many as you can find.^{[23]
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Research source}
- 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.
3
Clean the borders of doors with a detergent. You need to remove the smell that ants leave behind, as it is the trail they follow.^{[24]
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4
Spray an insecticide around any cracks. Don't forget to spray under the doors.^{[25]
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5
Spray the outside of the house. 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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Expert Q&A

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.