Activity
Fire ants tend to nest in a mound of sand or dirt. When the mound is located, use a hot water bath to kill the colony. Prepare 2 to 3 gallons of very hot water, around 170 degrees Fahrenheit and pour the water down the mound around noon to 2 p.m. on a warm day. The queen is most active during this time of day and you stand a better chance of getting her.
Be Sneaky!
Stay away from the mound on the day of attack. The workers will hide the queen if they are concerned about unusual activity. It usually takes 3 treatments to completely get rid of the colony. Having trouble finding the nest? Peanut butter with a dab of sugar on it is a favorite treat. This bait will make them very easy to follow back to the nest.
If you find ants in the house, set out a small bowl of mint-apple jelly mixed with a small amount of boric acid. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.