Alabama’s Top Ant Control Myths—Busted! Discover What Truly Works

If you've lived in Alabama long enough, you've likely heard a few old-school tricks for getting rid of ants. But do these home remedies actually work, or are they just Southern folklore passed down through generations?

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Here are a few of the most popular DIY ant control myths—and the facts behind them, according to a post from the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Boiling Water

Here’s a remedy with partial truth. Pouring scalding hot water directly on a fire ant mound can kill some ants. The key is using a lot—at least two to three gallons per mound. Timing also matters: early spring is best, when the mounds are more visible above ground.

Club Soda

Some believe pouring club soda on an ant bed suffocates the colony because of the carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, while the soda may cause a little fizz, it doesn’t do much to eliminate the mound. This one’s a bust.

Uncooked Grits

A common claim is that fire ants eat dry grits, which then expand in their stomachs and cause them to explode. Sounds dramatic—but it’s false. Fire ants do eat grits, but they can’t be destroyed this way. Save the grits for breakfast.

Other DIY Myths

Baking soda, vinegar, molasses, and even plaster of Paris have all been suggested as ant killers. Sadly, these don’t have much effect and could end up making a mess instead.

What Really Works

Experts recommend a consistent approach: apply granular bait across your yard three times a year. Use holidays like Easter, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day as reminders. If new mounds appear between treatments, spot-treat with a dry mound killer.

So next time you're tempted by an old wives' tale, stick to what science (and your neighbors) know actually works.