My parents seem to have a large problem with fire ants in their backyard. They're more of an inconvenience than anything.
What seems to be the most effective method (chemical, or a technique based, etc; doesn't need to be a specific product) of removing fire ants without harming or hurting any neighboring vegetation? Also, please provide a reason why.
We don't have any trees (How do I control fire ants in the mulch around my tree?) in the backyard thus the reason for this post.
Ed Staub's answer here is appropriate and relevant. And this comment on Ed's post is informative. Who knew those little red guys had their own web site?
My take on the information is that chemical methods are common and available. Organic bio control is available in some areas. Home grown remedies seem to be ineffective and potentially dangerous.
Good luck!
We discovered another great solution. This solution includes carefully pouring boiling hot water on the fire ant mounds. Make sure the plants roots are not nearby.
A home-made remedy from my home country that have always worked for me is to use coffee dregs (what remains of ground coffee after being brewed) to chase them away. However I do not have an explanation of why this works other than my own experience.
