Dealing with a tiny red ant infestation can be incredibly frustrating These persistent pests can invade your home and yard, swarming aggressively if disturbed and delivering painful stings. Getting rid of them should be a top priority
The key to effective ant control is locating and eliminating the colony. Worker ants you see scurrying around are just a small part of the problem – there is likely a hidden queen safely reproducing. If you don’t eliminate her, the ants will continue multiplying.
Fortunately, there are many effective methods to get rid of tiny red ants for good. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, including:
Identifying Tiny Red Ants
Tiny red ants, also called fire ants, are usually 1-5 mm long with copper brown bodies and darker colored heads They build visible dirt mounds outdoors and follow scent trails, swarming ferociously when the nest is threatened
Their stings cause a burning sensation and can potentially trigger severe allergic reactions Eliminating them quickly is important, especially if pets or children frequent the area
Where Tiny Red Ants Nest
Outdoors:
- Sunny areas of the lawn or garden
- Under rocks, logs, tree stumps
- Electrical boxes, masonry, concrete cracks
- Rotting wood
Indoors:
- Under appliances like refrigerators and water heaters
- Inside walls, attics, foundations
- Bathtubs, sinks, drains
How to Get Rid of Tiny Red Ants Outside
Use broadcast bait treatment – Scatter bait insecticide granules over the entire yard instead of individual mounds. This allows foraging ants to pick up the bait and bring it back to the nests you can’t see.
Boiling water and soap – Mix 3 parts boiling water to 1 part dish soap. Pour the solution into ant mounds to drown them instantly. Be cautious of plants.
Diatomaceous earth – Sprinkle this abrasive powder around nests. The sharp fragments kill ants by absorbing oils from their exoskeleton. Reapply after rain.
Essential oils – Peppermint, cinnamon, tea tree oil and more repel ants naturally. Mix with water and spray around entry points.
Boric acid baits – Mix boric acid with sugary water or paste to create irresistible poison bait. Place near nests and entry points.
Remove debris – Eliminate places for ants to nest like tree stumps, logs, leaf litter. Trim vegetation touching exterior walls.
Coffee grounds – Used grounds repel ants. Spread them around the perimeter of your home and garden areas prone to ant trails.
How to Get Rid of Tiny Red Ants Inside
** Seal cracks and crevices** – Caulk and seal potential entryways like small cracks in walls, floors, and windows. Apply weatherstripping around doors.
**Clean thoroughly ** – Remove food sources by cleaning countertops, floors, and appliances. Pay extra attention to the kitchen and bathrooms.
Use natural repellents – Sprinkle cinnamon, coffee grounds, black pepper, cayenne pepper, or chili powder in affected areas. The strong scents deter ants.
Make baking soda baits – Mix baking soda and powdered sugar, then place in bottle caps near ant trails. The ants are attracted to the sweetness but baking soda kills them.
**Wipe trails with vinegar ** – White vinegar kills ants on contact and removes their pheromone trails. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Try diatomaceous earth – Sprinkle this abrasive dust along baseboards, windowsills, and other ant access points. It cuts their bodies, causing dehydration.
Use ant baits – Baits combine sweet bait and slow-acting insecticide. Worker ants take the poison back to the queen and colony, destroying them over time.
Call an exterminator – For severe infestations inside walls or appliances, professional pest control using targeted insecticides may be needed.
Prevention Tips
- Take out trash daily. Use tight lids on bins.
- Store human and pet food in sealed containers.
- Fix leaky plumbing and dry out damp areas.
- Fill outdoor ant mounds with boiling soapy water.
- Apply barrier sprays outside along the home’s foundation.
- Keep kitchen and bathrooms clean and dry.
- Treat nests with insecticides early in spring or fall.
When to Call an Exterminator
It’s time to call a professional exterminator if:
- You are unable to locate the main nests.
- Home remedies have not reduced ant populations after a few weeks.
- Ants are damaging electrical wiring or appliances.
- You want to use strong chemical treatments but have health concerns.
Reputable pest control companies have the expertise and tools to conduct a thorough inspection, pinpoint nest locations, and employ targeted, effective treatment methods.
FAQs About Tiny Red Ants
What attracts tiny red ants?
Tiny red ants enter structures in search of food and water. They are attracted to sugar, grease, proteins, moisture, and warmth. Keeping counters clean and sealing cracks limits access inside.
Do red ant bites hurt?
Yes, red ant bites can be quite painful. They cause a burning or stinging sensation, often resulting in red welts or blisters. Though uncomfortable, they typically do not require medical treatment unless you experience a severe allergic reaction.
Can red ants damage my home?
Red ants pose little risk to your home’s structure. On rare occasions, they may chew through electrical wiring insulation. Their tunnels can also cause soil erosion around foundations. Address nests located immediately next to your home’s exterior.
How do I know if I have a red ant infestation?
Signs of an infestation include ant mounds or trails in your yard, ants swarming when their nest is disturbed, visible ants indoors, strange electrical malfunctions, or random stings on pets or family members. Act quickly before populations grow.
How long does it take to get rid of red ants?
With diligent treatment methods, most infestations can be eliminated in 2-3 weeks. Severe infestations may take longer, especially if nests are located inside walls or appliances. Preventative steps should be maintained year-round to deter future colonies.
The Bottom Line
Tiny red ants can be pesky but they don’t have to take over your home or garden. The key is finding and eliminating the colony – worker ants will continue multiplying as long as their queen is alive. Integrated treatment using natural repellents, targeted poisons, and preventing access is the best approach. With diligence, you can get rid of tiny red ants for good.