How to Kill Underground Ants

Residents of the soil, ants live in large colonies dominated by a breeding queen. They build a diverse tunnel system. Subterraneous ants carry soil sediment to the surface while mining out the voids and corridors of their home.

The sediment can produce a large, unsightly mound in the middle of a pristine lawn. Some ants, such as red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), can pose a serious risk to pets and humans via their painful bites. Killing the entire underground community can feedback an ant hill problem.

What you need

• Wet insecticide
• Watering can
• Garden sprinkler
• Powdered insecticide with acephate, deltamethrin or cyfluthrin
• Rake
• Diazinon granules

Mix an insecticide ant soaking wet with water in a watering can or garden sprayer. Follow the directions on the label of the insecticide to successfully mix the substance. Use 1 to 2 gallons per hill.

Pour insecticide soaking wet slowly down the hill. Thoroughly soak the mound successfully killing all inhabitants, even the ones deep within the mound's tunnel system.

Sprinkle dry, powdered ant insecticide over the mound. Follow directions for applications. Use a product containing acephate, deltamethrin or cyfluthrin to successfully kill subterraneous ants.

Rake the ant hill as flat as possible right before applying diazinon granules. Follow directions on the diazinon label to determine the proper amount of granules to use. Sprinkle the granules over the ant hill and rake gently. Spray the ant hill lightly with water.