How To Get Rid Of Field Ants

Getting rid of field ants (often known as Formica ants) on your own can be challenging, but it’s possible with persistence, proper identification, and the right techniques. Field ants typically nest outdoors in soil, under rocks, or near foundations, and while they rarely infest buildings, they can invade structures in search of food or build unsightly mounds around landscaping. Here’s how homeowners and business owners can get rid of field ants themselves:

Locate the Nest

The first and most important step is identifying where these ants are nesting. Field ants usually build large mounds in:

Lawns, gardens, and landscaping beds
Along driveways, patios, or sidewalks
Near tree roots, stumps, or foundation edges

Follow foraging trails during the day to trace workers back to the mound. Disturbing the nest slightly can confirm activity if ants quickly surface.

Apply Outdoor Ant Baits

Once the nest is located, use slow-acting granular or gel baits specifically labeled for outdoor ant control.

Look for baits containing borax, hydramethylnon, or abamectin.
Scatter bait around the mound (not directly on top) and along visible foraging trails.
Field ants are protein and sugar feeders, so offering a combination or rotating bait types may increase success.

Avoid using sprays before baiting—sprays kill workers too quickly and prevent them from carrying bait back to the colony.

Treat the Nest Directly (Optional)

If baiting doesn’t reduce activity after a week or two, consider a direct mound treatment:

Use an ant mound drench or dust insecticide containing bifenthrin, permethrin, or deltamethrin.
Apply in early morning or late afternoon when most ants are home.
Follow label instructions carefully, applying enough to soak the upper 6–12 inches of soil.

Keep people and pets away until the treated area dries.

Eliminate Attractants

Field ants are drawn to food, moisture, and shelter. To reduce future infestations:

Seal cracks around foundations, windows, and doors.
Keep outdoor eating areas clean and garbage tightly sealed.
Trim shrubs and tree branches touching buildings.
Remove logs, stones, and yard debris that could serve as nesting sites.

Maintain a Perimeter Defense

After eliminating nests, apply a residual barrier treatment around your home or business. Use a broad-spectrum insecticide labeled for ants and apply a 2–3 foot band around foundations, walkways, and entry points. This helps prevent re-infestation.

Monitor and Reapply as Needed

Field ant colonies can be large and long-lived. Continue monitoring for new mounds or trails and reapply bait or barrier treatments seasonally, especially in spring and late summer when colonies are most active.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Field Ants

While do-it-yourself methods can provide temporary relief, our professional pest control delivers long-term, comprehensive elimination of field ant infestations. Field ants form large, complex colonies that can span multiple mounds and contain thousands of workers, making complete eradication difficult without specialized training and equipment. Here’s why our professional ant control is the superior solution for both home and business owners:

Accurate Species Identification: Field ants are often mistaken for carpenter ants or other outdoor ants. Misidentification can lead to wasted time, incorrect treatments, and recurring infestations. Our licensed pest control technicians can accurately identify the species and tailor the treatment based on their nesting habits, diet, and seasonal behavior.
Access to Professional-Grade Treatments: Our professionals have access to industry-grade baits, dusts, and non-repellent insecticides that are far more effective than consumer products. Our treatments are specifically formulated to penetrate deep into underground nests, target the queen and developing brood, and eliminate the entire colony, not just visible workers. Non-repellent formulations are particularly powerful—they allow ants to unknowingly spread the treatment throughout the colony, ensuring complete control.
Safe and Strategic Application: Applying insecticides around a property requires precise timing, dosage, and placement to avoid harming beneficial insects, pets, or landscaping. Our pest control professionals are trained in environmentally responsible methods that maximize effectiveness while minimizing risk to your property and health.
Long-Term Prevention and Monitoring: A single treatment may not be enough if satellite colonies exist nearby. Our pest control services often include follow-up visits and long-term prevention plans, ensuring nests are fully eliminated and new colonies do not re-establish. We provide ongoing maintenance programs that provide year-round protection against ants and other pests.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run: DIY products may seem cheaper initially, but repeated failed attempts can add up quickly. Our professional extermination not only resolves the current problem but prevents structural damage, landscape disruption, and customer or tenant complaints—all of which can cost far more to fix later.

Our professional pest control gives you confidence and security knowing that your property is protected by our experts using proven methods. Whether it’s a residential yard, commercial landscape, or business exterior, our professionals ensure a clean, pest-free environment that enhances your property’s safety and appearance.