Insects in the house are not just a nuisance, but can also be harmful. Fire ants, for example, can cause severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. They can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, breathlessness, low blood pressure, shock, and rapid heartbeat. That’s why it is important to keep fire ants away from living spaces. To do that, home remedies and organic products can be better options, as they are more environmentally friendly than chemical-based solutions.

Soap water spray
This is arguably the easiest way to get rid of fire ants. Soapy water can kill fire ants immediately and efficiently. To make this solution, all one needs to do is mix one part dish soap with two parts water. After mixing it well, pour it into a spray bottle. Spraying this solution on fire ants will suffocate and eliminate them. A slightly sneaky way to do this is to attract ants to the soapy liquid by pouring it into a shallow dish and placing some sweets in it. The sweets will lure the ants, and when they eat the sweets, the soapy liquid will do the job without hassle.

Lemon juice and water spray
Several studies have found links between lemon juice use and fire ant reduction. This is why lemon juice and water can be a handy fire ant treatment method. This solution acts as an irritant for several insects, including fire ants. Similar to how the soapy solution can be used, one can mix one part lemon juice and three parts water, pour it into a spray bottle, and spray the solution on ants and in areas where one usually finds fire ants. After using this solution a few times, one may be able to see a significant drop in the number of fire ants at home.

Vinegar spray
This is another way to get rid of fire ants from one’s property. To make this solution, mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Once the mixture is well combined, pour it into a spray bottle and spray it directly on fire ants or in spaces around the house where they are generally seen. This may include near the furniture, in nooks and corners, and in damp spots in and around the house.

One can even use this solution to clean floors, tiles, and windows. Unlike the soap and water solution, this mixture does not kill fire ants. But vinegar and water form a potent combination that helps keep fire ants away from one’s property.

Boiling water
This is a great way to get rid of fire ants and many other insects from outdoor areas, such as yards, as it is used to treat fire ant colonies rather than individual ants. Pouring a few gallons of boiling water over fire ant mounds can destroy the colonies and kill hundreds of fire ants at once. It is important to note that the excessive heat causes the ants in a mound to rush out in massive numbers, so it is best to stand a little further away from the mound. Additionally, hot water can cause major skin burns and injuries if it comes into contact with the skin. This is why one needs to be careful before using this solution.

Diatomaceous earth
This fossilized algae powder contains large amounts of organic insect deterrents. So, it can be used to eliminate fire ants from homes and open zones. Diatomaceous earth powder is known to destroy the fire ants’ exoskeletons, causing their bodies to dry out. This is why, when one sprays this powder on ant mounds or directly onto marching fire ants, they die almost immediately and without any struggle. The powder is most effective when used to kill individual ants or a few hundred at a time. It is not as effective in destroying colonies of ants as the insects will generally sidestep the powder and find other ways to move around.

Cayenne pepper
The combination of cayenne pepper (slices or powder) and boiling water is incredibly effective in debilitating and destroying fire ants and their entire colonies. Pepper acts as an irritant for insects like fire ants, which is why its effects are seen almost immediately when one sprays or applies a combination of cayenne pepper and water on fire ants.

Orange peel spray
The oil extracted from citrus fruits tends to incapacitate the senses of certain insects, including fire ants. They tend to be repelled by the aroma and flavor of the oil of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and sweet limes. So, all one has to do to make the orange peel spray is combine the peel of one orange with a cup of water in a blender, blend until smooth, and then pour the solution into a spray bottle. Then, one can spray this solution on ants indoors or on top of their colonies outdoors.