How to Get Rid of Ants in the Yard — 4 Effective Methods for a Pest-Free Space

Are you struggling with ants in your yard? This guide offers effective strategies on how to get rid of ants in the yard, turning a nuisance into a thing of the past.

Ants are incredible workers and survivors, building complex homes under our feet and searching far and wide for food. But when they start marching through our gardens and patios, it feels less like a marvel of nature and more like a breach of our personal haven. They can spoil picnics, harm our plants, and just make a mess of our cherished outdoor spots.

In this article, we dive into four effective ways how to get rid of ants in the yard without harming the environment. With some know-how and a bit of care, we can keep our yards ant-free and take back our outdoor spaces, making them a place for joy, not pests.

A close up photo on ants on top of a tree branch | Source: Pexels

Learn How to Get Rid of Ants in the Yard with These Methods

Method 1: Boiling Water

Boiling water is one of the most effective ways to get rid of ants in the yard; it destroys the inside of the anthill. This method will leave most ants dead and any survivors will relocate to somewhere new. Here is how it works:

1. Boil a large pot of water then use a rake to destroy the mound covering the next entrance to the ant hill.

2. Pour the hot water directly inside ensuring enough flow goes inside the hole. This method will kill ants instantly and any survivors will relocate somewhere else.

Boiling water in a pot | Source: Pexels

Method 2: Boric Acid

Boric acid, a potent ant killer, disrupts ants' digestive systems upon ingestion. Do this to utilize it effectively:

1. Create ant bait by combining borax or boric acid with enticing foods like sugar or syrup.

2. Place baits strategically in areas frequented by ants, such as near nests or along trails.

3. Allow ants to swarm the bait and transport it back to their colony for widespread consumption.

Caution: Boric acid poses risks to humans, pets, and plants. Use protective gear like gloves and goggles when handling, and avoid direct contact with skin.

A close up photo of boric acid | Source: Shutterstock

Method 3: Baking Soda / Baby Powder

Utilize the fine textures of baking soda or baby powder to choke out ants effectively. If ants ingest these products, they will experience a chemical reaction and die. Follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle baking soda or baby powder inside ant nests, along trails, and surrounding areas with ant activity.

2. Create a protective barrier around outdoor spaces and possible entry points into your home using either of the two products.

3. Boost effectiveness by mixing equal portions of baking soda and powdered sugar to lure and eliminate ants.

Note: Reapply after rain or watering to maintain effectiveness.

A jar of baking soda | Source: Shutterstock

Method 4: Soapy Water

Soapy water offers an effective solution for killing ants outdoors by suffocating them. Here's how to use it:

2. Spray directly onto outdoor ants to kill them instantly upon contact.

3. Pour the solution into ant nests in your yard or indoors to eliminate hidden colonies.

4. Repeat application as needed. Note that soapy water only kills ants on contact and lacks residual effects.

A bucket with soapy water | Source: Pexels

Now that you know how to get rid of ants in the yard effectively, why not tackle other outdoor nuisances? Here is our guide about clever hacks to fill ground squirrel holes.