If you are having issues with anthills on your property, diatomaceous earth is an excellent way to address the problem. Diatomaceous earth works differently from other pesticides by using a mechanical reaction rather than a chemical one. When ants come into contact with DE, it absorbs moisture from their exoskeletons, and they begin to dehydrate. This will not only kill insects but help prevent future infestations as well.
Our guide below will show you how to treat anthills naturally, without chemical pesticides.
You will need:
- Crawling Insect Control Diatomaceous Earth
- An applicator like this one
- A stick/broom handle
- A shovel
Step 1:
If you are dealing with a large anthill, you will need to break it open and target the queen. Use your shovel to remove the top of the anthill. Then, using your stick or broom handle, stir the inside of the mound to destroy the networks of tunnels.
Step 2:
Apply DE generously to the mound and continue to stir and break it up as you add more DE. Treat the top of the anthill similarly, breaking it up with your shovel and generously coating it with DE. Be sure to also apply DE in a 1-foot radius around the anthill.
Step 3:
Continue to treat every anthill on your property, and be on the lookout for new anthills. Each one you treat makes it harder for the ants to re-establish themselves.
Note:
If you are dealing with little black ants that only have small hills, the job is a lot simpler. You can just scrape the top of the hill off with your shoe and apply DE thoroughly, and you should be good to go. To learn more about natural treatments for ants, check out these articles: how to treat ant trails and how to treat ants indoors.