Tiny red ants around pool
How do I get rid of tiny red ants around my pool?
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Hey everyone! So, I've been dealing with a super annoying issue lately – pesky little red ants have taken over my pool area, and they've even made their way into the water!
As if that's not enough, my poor kids have been getting these red bites and feeling like they've been stung. I'm pretty sure these ants are to blame for it.
I'm turning to you awesome folks in this amazing community for some help and advice. I need your expertise on how to get rid of these pests once and for all. Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
They sound like fire ants. Diatomaceous earth is one way to discourage them.
Only thing I know that kills red ants is Home Defense or Amdro.
Hi Danielle, here are some ideas for you to try, hope they help!
White vinegar is another common household product that can be used to kill a range of insects and bugs. Much like using boiling water and soap, pour one litre of white vinegar directly into the nest to kill red ants.
White vinegar is perhaps a safer option than boiling water as it is not harmful to your plants or the ground despite being able to kill red ants on contact. Boiling water, on the other hand, although effective, could scorch your plants or their roots.
Boric acid is one of the most effective methods for killing red ants and getting rid of crickets and other pests in your home,' says Rachel, 'mixing it with sugar creates an irresistible paste to red ants who will carry the mixture back to the nest. Once ingested, the ants will die, allowing this method to wipe out large colonies quickly.'
Mix boric acid with sugar bit by bit until it forms a thick paste before placing small amounts of the paste around ant colony entrances.
Although diatomaceous earth can be used indoors, it is best used outdoors to kill red ants. This silica is a non poisonous way to trap and kill red ants pver larger areas of your garden as it is not damaging to plant life.
Spreading this gritty powder traps ants and lacerated with bodies, drawing out the moisture to dehydrate and eventually kill them. As this powder is an irritant, make sure to avoid breathing the powder in or getting it on your skin by wearing a mask and gloves as you apply it. Once spread, keep pets and your children away from the area.
A product such as MaxForce Granular Ant Bait sprinkled around your pool area will help to rid the area of the ants. Repeat as needed. It is available online.
Optiguard is the best product on the market. You need a few drops in their path. The sprays etc only kill the worker ants and you need them to carry the poison back to the nest to kill the queen. I have ALWAYS had it work in a day. It is amazing stuff. comes in a tube you can push to add a drop or two in their path. In a half an hour you will see them all over it eating and taking back home to kill the rest of the colony. They bait traps are a waste of money and take forever to stop them.
Wow, what amazing information, thank you so much everyone. Will try some of these out and see if I can get rid of these ants
You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth around and it will kill once they come in contact. It is still effective once it gets wet, as long as it doesn't wash away.
use an ant bait granule such as Maxforce Complete Ant Bait in your yard surrounding the pool to help control the ants ...
We have had great results with Amdro Fire Ant Killer..... If you can...* find the main mound or hole that the ants use to come and go from their burrow.... put a small amount (or according to directions)... about 1 tablespoon next to the entry hole... the ants carry the granules in to the queen and the colony dies. you may have to put something over the granules to keep kids and pets away for the few hours it takes the ants to carry the Amdro into the burrow
*if you can find the entrance to the burrow... place the granules along the ant trail
Cleaning the area really well is a good idea if you want to ensure that you don’t keep attracting ants. Ants are going to come near the pool area looking for things such as water and food.
If you take the time to clean the area up, then the ants won’t have things to eat around the pool area. Many people enjoy snacks near the pool in-between swimming sessions, and this means that there could be crumbs around that you haven’t been good about cleaning up.
You might also have food from nearby trees and bushes that you’ll need to consider. Some people have trees and bushes in their yards that will drop fruits and other things that ants might be attracted to.
Hi Danielle: diatomaceous earth is safe around people and pets :) You can get it at most home improvement stores and I think Walmart carries it too.
You could use bug spray or bleach will kill them
Drain the pool, use Ant killer every day till all are dead. Scrub area around the pool and disinfect, then re-fill the pool. Don't leave anything sweet or sticky on the pool surrounds or they will be back!
Hey Danielle: I just thought of something else, try spraying WD40 around the pool where the ants congregate, ants hate it and it's safe.
This article has almost 10 ways to get rid of ants around a pool: https://poolownersacademy.com/9-ways-to-get-rid-of-ants-naturally-from-pool-area/
You could try Terro liquid bait ant traps, see if those work. Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around; it’s all natural, kid and pet safe.
This may sound funny but my neighbor just used Dawn Platinum and it got rid of the ants and other bugs.
This guide has a load of really helpful ant solutions: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/pest-repeller/quick-dyi-sweet-bait-to-treat-and-get-rid-of-your-ants-18515410
How to Get Rid of Ants With Borax & Sugar