Ants and anthills can make your yard look like a mine site and make it an unenjoyable experience with mowing.
When it comes to combating pests Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural, effective insecticide. We do not add any chemicals to DE which is naturally chemical free, unlike other companies that add harsh nasties to Diatomaceous Earth in hopes to kill pests quicker. The molecular structure of DE which is sharp only on a microscopic level when bugs come into contact with Diatomaceous Earth, it cuts and absorbs moisture exoskeletons of the bugs.
Diatomaceous Earth is not only cheaper than these other methods but is natural, organic and is safe to use around and in your home. The effects of DE will only wear off if it is cleaned up or washed away so there is no need to worry about keeping a schedule to reapply it.
Check out how we recommend using Fine Diatomaceous Earth against ants and anthills:
Shovel in hand, you’ll want to dig into the hill, cracking into mound with the aim of find the queen ant who is obviously the boss. With the shovel head or by flipping it over and using the handle end of the shovel, break the tunnels within the mound in a mixing motion. This will help stop the spread of the ants.
Liberally add Diatomaceous Earth to the entire mound and its surroundings. Mix in the DE again with the shovel head or by flipping it over and using the handle end of the shovel. Please be careful not to inhale the Diatomaceous Earth as like most minerals they can be potentially harmful once inhaled.
Repeat the process for every other ant mound and keep on top of new ones that crop up. It’s better to treat them when they are small rather than waiting until the colony is large and well established.
FAQ
How does diatomaceous earth for ants work to kill an ant colony?
Diatomaceous earth to kill ants works mechanically: the diatom particles are tiny fossilized algae (diatom) fragments that abrade the insect cuticle and absorb lipids, causing one ant or many ants to dehydrate and die. When sprinkled around a nest, along trails, or along baseboards, the powder comes into contact with ants and other insects and provides pest control without a chemical poison. For best results against an ant colony, apply food-grade diatomaceous earth dry to areas where ants travel and to the nest entrance so the powder spreads on contact and causes gradual die-off of the colony.
Can I use diatomaceous earth for ants indoors to get rid of ants?
Yes, you can use food-grade diatomaceous earth indoors to get rid of ants, but you must apply it carefully. Lightly sprinkle a thin layer in areas of activity such as along baseboards, window sills, entry points, under appliances, and around the perimeter of rooms. Keep the powder dry, avoid creating dust clouds, and vacuum up remnants after the infestation is controlled. Do not use filter-grade (pool) diatomaceous earth indoors; always choose food-grade when using inside the home.
Will using diatomaceous earth to get rid of ants work against fire ants in the garden?
Diatomaceous earth can reduce numbers of fire ants in the garden when applied to mounds or trails, but it is often less effective against aggressive species like fire ants compared with targeted baits or professional ant control measures. Sprinkle powder around the nest mound and perimeter of garden beds and allow it to remain dry. Because fire ants can reinvade or relocate, consider combining diatomaceous earth with other methods and consult a pest control professional for severe fire ant infestations.
How do I apply diatomaceous earth to prevent ants from entering the home?
To prevent ants from entering, apply a continuous dry band of diatomaceous earth along the perimeter outside the home, along entry points, and at window sills and door thresholds. Inside, lightly dust along ant trails, along baseboards, behind cabinets, and near food storage areas. Inspect and seal cracks and remove food sources to reduce attraction. Reapply after heavy rain or when the powder is disturbed to maintain protection.
Is food-grade diatomaceous earth safe and easy to use around pets and children?
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally considered low-risk compared with chemical insecticides, but inhaling the fine powder can irritate lungs and prolonged skin exposure may dry skin. When applying, use a mask and keep pets and children away from treated areas until the dust settles. Avoid using in areas where it can be easily disturbed and spread into the air, and store the powder in a dry place to protect its effectiveness.
How long does it take for diatomaceous earth to kill ants and stop an ant infestation?
Results vary by species, colony size, and environmental conditions. Diatomaceous earth causes gradual dehydration, so you may see noticeable reductions in ant activity within a few days to a couple of weeks. For large ant colonies or deep nests, multiple applications and continued monitoring are often needed. If ants persist despite correct application, contact an exterminator or pest control professional to identify the ant species and recommend additional treatments.
Can diatomaceous earth damage soil, plants, or the garden ecosystem?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, abrasive powder that is not a chemical toxin, but heavy, repeated applications can affect soil texture by increasing abrasiveness and could potentially desiccate small beneficial insects. Light, targeted applications around entry points, along perimeter beds, or placed on ant mounds usually have minimal impact. Avoid overusing it directly on delicate plant foliage and consider integrated pest control methods to protect garden biodiversity.
When should I call an exterminator instead of relying on diatomaceous earth?
Contact an exterminator or pest control professional when ant issues persist after proper use of diatomaceous earth, when you identify difficult ant species or large infestations (such as widespread structural nests or aggressive fire ants), or when ants cause damage to structures or electrical systems. A professional can identify ant species, locate nests, and provide targeted baits, perimeter treatments, or other pest control strategies to remove and prevent future infestations.
Browse and buy Diatomaceous Earth from our recomendations page now!
Find out how to tackle other pests and critters with Diatomaceous Earth here on our blog!
When using DE we recommend wearing a protective mask for your own safety and well being.