How to do it:
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around storage areas and entry points. Seal cracks and crevices with caulk. Store goods in airtight, ant-proof containers. Regularly clean up crumbs and spills. Place natural deterrents like cinnamon or vinegar near vulnerable spots.

Result:
These steps create barriers and reduce attractants, helping to keep fire ants away from your goods.

Problem:
This method may fail if ants find alternate entry points, if diatomaceous earth gets wet, or if food is left exposed, allowing ants to bypass barriers.

How to do it:
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around areas where fire ants are present. Reapply after rain or heavy moisture. You can also mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then spray directly on ant trails and entry points.

Result:
Fire ants avoid treated areas, and the diatomaceous earth dehydrates and kills them without toxic chemicals.

Problem:
This method may fail if the ants find untreated paths, or if moisture reduces the effectiveness of diatomaceous earth.

How to do it:
Manually locate fire ant mounds near your goods. Wear gloves and use a shovel or trowel to remove the mound and ants. Place physical barriers (like plastic or metal sheeting) around storage areas to block ant entry.

Result:
Reduces immediate fire ant presence and prevents access to goods.

Problem:
Ants may rebuild mounds nearby or find ways around barriers, making this method only temporarily effective.

How to do it:
Use beneficial nematodes (Steinernema spp.) as a biological control. Mix nematodes with water and spray around entry points and ant trails outside your house.

Result:
Nematodes infect and kill fire ant larvae, reducing colony size and preventing ants from entering your home.

Problem:
This method may fail if soil is too dry, nematodes are exposed to sunlight, or if the infestation is already inside the house.

How to do it:
Mix 1 tablespoon of borax, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 cup of warm water. Soak cotton balls in the solution and place them near fire ant trails or entry points around your goods.

Result:
Fire ants are attracted to the sugar, consume the borax, and carry it back to the colony, which helps reduce their population and protects your goods.

Problem:
This method may fail if ants find alternative food sources, if the bait dries out quickly, or if the colony is too large for the bait to be effective.