Red ants being a pest

[Rabidbun]

Just discovered red ants nesting next to my new tree (wasn't growing too well, guess I know why with all that root disturbance ). Need to kill them, as we've had a large red ant problem over the last couple of years and will be doing the same to each nest we find. However, the area that I want to kill them in is going to be used as a herb garden (first couple of plants already in), so am wary of powder.

Is there a non toxic way to kill these in a veggie patch? What about the bait stations?

[ginger ninger]

When I lived at home with my Mum & Dad they had a massive problem with flying red ants. My dad swore by citrus oils. Citrus oils contain d-limonene which is toxic to insects. You can buy citrus oils or make ya own (cheaper/more fun) by pouring boiling water over grinded/mashed-up peels from lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruit's. Let it cool, then pour it into the fire ant nest. Good luck with them, but keep ya hands away...they don't call them "Fire ants" for nothing.

[Rabidbun]

Cheers, will get some citrus asap then. Wouldn't mind so much if they didn't bite and weren't right next to the sand pit and in the veggies...

[kiwirach]

When I lived at home with my Mum & Dad they had a massive problem with flying red ants. My dad swore by citrus oils. Citrus oils contain d-limonene which is toxic to insects. You can buy citrus oils or make ya own (cheaper/more fun) by pouring boiling water over grinded/mashed-up peels from lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruit's. Let it cool, then pour it into the fire ant nest. Good luck with them, but keep ya hands away...they don't call them "Fire ants" for nothing.

thanks for that info....i have a major red ant nation on my allotment, and i need to find some organic way of dealing with them en masse!. can this liquid be kept for a while, or do you have to use it straight away once its cool?.