Does Boiling Water Kill Ants? Yes and No

If you’ve spotted an ant hill in your yard, you may have heard that pouring boiling water over it is a quick and easy way to get rid of ants. But does it actually work? And is it the best solution for your ant problem?

In this guide, we’ll break down whether hot water is an effective ant killer, what happens to the entire colony, and better alternatives for ant control.

Key Takeaways

• Boiling water kills ants instantly, but it rarely reaches deep enough to destroy the entire colony.
• Fire ant mounds have deep tunnels, so boiling water won’t eliminate the colony or stop them from rebuilding.
• DIY methods like soapy water, borax bait, and diatomaceous earth work better for long-term ant control.
• Professional pest control is the best option when ants keep returning or spreading to new areas.

Does Boiling Water Kill Ants?

Yes, boiling water can kill ants instantly. The extreme heat burns their exoskeletons, killing any ants it touches.  However, this method has a major downside—it usually doesn’t reach deep enough to eliminate the entire colony.

Most ant nests have multiple chambers, and their tunnels extend deep underground.

The queen ant, responsible for reproduction, often hides in these deeper tunnels, meaning worker ants will simply rebuild the colony if she survives.

For fire ants, this method is even less effective.

Fire ant mounds are built with multiple underground tunnels, making it difficult for boiling water to reach the colony. This is especially true for the imported fire ant, a particularly aggressive species known for its painful stings.

How Effective Is Boiling Water Compared to Other DIY Ant Control Methods?

If you’re tackling an ant infestation, there are better DIY solutions than just pouring hot water on an ant hill.

Here’s how it stacks up against other common methods:

Soapy Water

A mixture of soapy water and hot water is a simple way to kill ants on contact. The soap coats their exoskeletons, suffocating them instantly.

This method is useful for treating small indoor infestations without using harsh compounds. However, it doesn’t reach the queen or destroy the entire colony, so the ants will likely return.

Bleach and Water Treatment

Some homeowners use bleach and water treatment as an ant killer. While bleach is strong enough to kill these pests on contact, it doesn’t eliminate the nests or stop the colony from rebuilding.

Worse, it’s toxic to plants and pets, making it a risky choice for outdoor ant control.

Borax and Sugar Bait

Borax and sugar bait is an effective way to target the entire colony. The sugar attracts worker ants, which carry the borax back to the ant nest.

Once ingested, borax disrupts their digestive system, leading to dehydration and death. It takes time to work, but it provides long-term results.

Boric Acid

Like borax, boric acid poisons ants when ingested.

It works best when mixed with food sources, allowing worker ants to bring it back to the colony. Sprinkling it near entry points can help, but ingestion is key—if the ants don’t take the bait, it won’t work.

Diatomaceous Earth

For a natural alternative, diatomaceous earth is a great option. This fine powder damages ants’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. It’s safe for pets and kids but only works when dry. If exposed to moisture, it loses effectiveness and needs reapplication.

Essential Oils

As ant sprays, essential oils in a spray bottle work well as repellents. Spraying peppermint oil around entry points can keep ants from coming inside. It’s a non-toxic solution with a pleasant scent, but it won’t kill ants or eliminate the colony.

For full ant control, it should be used alongside ant baits or other treatments.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

Boiling water can kill ants in the short term, but it won’t completely solve an infestation. While it might work for a small ant hill, it won’t destroy a fire ant colony or deep red ant nests.

If your ant infestation is persistent or spreading, professional pest control is the best way to get rid of ants completely.

At Simple Pest Management, our experts can:

• Identify the species of ants to choose the right treatment
• Locate hidden ant nests
• Use targeted treatments like ant baits, granules, and safe water treatment solutions
• Prevent other critters that may attract ant infestations

Contact us now for a reliable and lasting solution.