5 Methods for Getting Rid of Fire Ants Naturally 

Solenopsis Invicta ants, also known as Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) near the nest hole
Setiani Antari/Shutterstock.com

Written by Patrick MacFarland

Published: June 7, 2025

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Imagine this scenario:  you’re having a nice picnic with your beloved, and all of a sudden, you see a trail of ants coming straight toward your food. Now, imagine you have a yard with beautiful plants and flowers, and you see ants roaming around. The first thing you might do is panic. But what if these ants aren’t the usual black ants, but fire ants? Fire ants are more dangerous than common black ants. In this case, you need to find a way to get rid of fire ants. Let’s take a look at the five methods for getting rid of fire ants naturally.

5. Vinegar Solution

Photograph of gradial s by Scott Bauer. Widel disliked for their venomous, painful stings, fire ants have spread across much of the southern United States.

Fire ants were accidentally introduced in the US in the 1930s.

By mixing vinegar and water, you create a solution that serves two purposes. Not only will you deter ants from coming into your house with this vinegar solution, but you will also be able to clean your windows, floors, and surfaces. Alternatively, you can use lemon mixed with water, which is also effective at deterring fire ants.

4. Essential Oils

A bottle of essential oil with cedar wood chips

Fire ants are native to South America.

Essential oils may smell nice to humans, but ants completely lose them. The smell is something that is abhorred by fire ants. This is good news for you because it means you can mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle and use it both inside and outside your house. Some essential oils you can use include lavender, cedar, lemon, and peppermint oils.

3. Soap

Only 1% of humans are sensitive to fire ants’ venom.

Dish soap is a perfect way to deter fire ants from your house, whether it’s inside or outside. You can spray this mixture on both indoor and outdoor walls, floors, or surfaces, but you can also spray the mixture on the fire ants themselves. They will die, which means that if you don’t want to kill them, then it’s advisable not to do that.

2. Diatomaceous Earth

Red fire ants building nest. Ant nest with leaf on mango tree.

Fire ants use trees to nest.

The best way to use diatomaceous earth is to sprinkle it when you find a trail of ants. When fire ants (and other insects) come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it dries out their bodies, eventually killing them.

1. Other Substances

coffee grounds are poured at the feet of a plant

Fire ants have been the culprits in killing various animals like quails, deer, and more.

You can also sprinkle other substances both inside and outside your house. Some options include cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, cinnamon, and citrus peels such as orange or lemon.


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About the Author

Patrick MacFarland

Patrick Macfarland is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography, and history. Patrick has been writing for more than 10 years. In the past, he has been a teacher and a political candidate. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SDSU and a Master's Degree in European Union Studies from CIFE. From San Diego, California, Patrick loves to travel and try new recipes to cook.

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