I just moved. My new property was owned by someone who didn't go in the yard. It has never been tended. Now, I have to deal with the sand spurs and fire ants.

They didn't rake, they mowed over the leaves, but they must not have done it often enough, because the leaves are chopped, but still an inch deep.

I start to rake them to put them in the compost pile, and I get attacked by fire ants. I don't see the mounds until it's too late.

I have chickens, chemical sensitivity, and there is a lake on the property, so I don't want to use pesticides.

Does anyone know how to get rid of fire ants without pesticides. Normally, I live in peace with whatever is in the yard, but they won't negotiate. They must be eradicated.

Please help,
>^..^<

By David on Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 10:34 pm:

Hi Beverly, You have two problems. #1 Is poor soil fertility that lets the sand spurs, goatheads, or stickers hang around. All your soil needs is any form of organic fertilizer or Humate. The sand spurs are a pioneer plant, in other words it is the ONLY thing that will grow in your soil, so by inproving your soil they will just go away.
#2 Fire ants can be controled with organic's. First of all to help the soil and run the fire ants out of your yard you can use Liquid molasses or spread dry molasses over your yard. Fire ants hate molasses and will move there mounds over night. After this first step, you can use two ounces of orange oil to one gallon of water and treat all the mounds you come across. It way take more than one treatment to get rid of the little suckers. You can also buy some already mixed-up fire ant killers at most feed store's and organic nursery's in our area, Gardenville makes a wonderful one.
The good thing to all of the above is, it will not hurt anything in your yard or lake.....Welcome to the good side of gardening and good luck with it.....

By sherry bouman on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 07:35 am:

help with sand spurs

By David on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 05:16 pm:

Sherry it is the same as listed above #1.. Sandburs, goatheads, stickers etc... Just use what I suggest and they will be gone soon!!

By Jo Ann Bryant on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 10:50 am:

I have a backyard flock of chickens and fire ants do get into the chicken yard. I won't take any chances with chemicals, but I have had luck with boiling water.

When I see a new mound, I just go into the kitchen and put on the teakettle. I carefully and slowly pour the boiling water into the anthole.

Takes care of them instantly.

I know there will be more in a few days, but at least it gets rid of this nest!

Hope this helps.