Re: Digest for school-garden-network@googlegroups.com - 1 update in 1 topic

[Betsy Hosp]

Hi

Does anyone have an eco friendly way of ridding ant piles? We have tried compost teas, DE, and salt and vinegar. 

(We are in Alabama) 

Thank you! 

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[Leesa Carter]

Cinnamon on the pile has helped us in the past.

Leesa Carter-Jones (she/her)
President & CEO
Captain Planet Foundation

 

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[Erin Maidlow]

Have you tried fire? The weed torches may work if you’re able to have fire in your gardens. I grew up in Florida with lots of fire ants and that’s what we did. 

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[Nicole Gelb Dugat]

Hey Betsy!

3 gallons of boiling water poured directly on the ant-pile works pretty well (but also pretty much kills everything else). 

If you're interested in using an OMRI-certified insecticide (certified for organic-use), "Come and Get It" is a spinosad-based ant bait that also works.

FWIW, you are not alone! The fire-ants are a huge challenge for us, too. 😓 

[andrew smith]

Borax sprinkled on the colony

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Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 11:04:36 AM
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[S F]

We've used an orange oil concentrate (search orange oil and fire ants).  The concentrate will usually list a recipe, but ours is 4 oz of orange oil per gallon water.  We've just always used water from the hose, but maybe you could combine it with the boiling water suggestion.

Good luck!

Shauna