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A few ant hills here and there are easy to ignore, but when they start multiplying or turning into large mounds, they become hard to deal with. They can take over sections of your yard, make mowing frustrating, and turn simple things like walking barefoot into something you’d rather avoid.

Ants do serve a purpose in the ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean you want them setting up right in the middle of your lawn or garden. Once a colony is established, it won’t leave on its own; you have to either disrupt it or make the area less appealing for it to stay.

The good news is you don’t need anything complicated to handle it. Most methods are simple, and you can choose whether to eliminate the ants completely or just push them to move elsewhere.

Here are some of the most effective ways to deal with large ant hills in your yard.

Pour boiling water directly into the mound

One of the simplest methods is also one of the most effective. Pouring boiling water straight into the center of the ant hill can kill a large portion of the colony and collapse parts of the nest. For bigger mounds, you may need to repeat this a few times over several days to fully get rid of the colony.

Use diatomaceous earth around the hill

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that works by damaging the ants’ outer layer, causing them to dehydrate. Sprinkle it around and over the mound, especially along visible trails. Just keep in mind it works best when dry, so you’ll need to reapply after rain.

Try a boric acid bait

Boric acid works a little differently; it’s carried back to the nest by the ants and can wipe out the colony over time. Mix it with something sweet to attract ants, but be careful to keep it away from pets and kids, since it’s toxic.

Dig up and relocate the nest

If you’d rather not kill the ants, physically disturbing the nest can encourage them to move. Using a shovel to break up the mound and move it to a less-used area of your yard can prompt the colony to rebuild elsewhere.

Use citrus like orange peels

Ants don’t handle citrus well. Orange peels contain compounds that can disrupt their behavior and even kill them on contact. You can place fresh peels directly on the mound or crush them into a paste and spread them over the area.

Spray a vinegar solution

Vinegar is another simple option that kills ants on contact and disrupts their scent trails. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and spray it directly onto the ant hill and the surrounding area. Just avoid spraying it on plants since it can damage them.

Sprinkle cinnamon over the mound

Cinnamon doesn’t necessarily kill ants, but it does repel them. The strong scent interferes with their communication, which can cause them to abandon the area over time. Reapply it regularly, especially after rain.

Use lemon juice to disrupt trails

Lemon juice works similarly to vinegar, breaking down scent trails that ants rely on to navigate. Spraying a diluted solution over the mound and nearby paths can make the area less appealing for the colony.

Scatter cornmeal near the hill

Cornmeal is sometimes used as a natural bait. Ants take it back to the nest but can’t properly digest it. Over time, this can reduce the colony, though it may take longer than other methods.

Pour club soda into the nest

Club soda can help eliminate ants by releasing carbon dioxide into their nest, disrupting their environment. It’s a simple option, though it may need to be repeated for larger colonies.

Use soapy water for quick results

A mix of water and dish soap can kill ants on contact and break down their scent trails. Pouring or spraying it directly into the mound helps reach deeper into the nest.

Plant herbs to keep them from coming back

Once you’ve dealt with the ant hill, prevention matters. Strong-smelling herbs like mint, rosemary, and lavender can help deter ants from returning. Planting them around problem areas makes your yard less inviting for new colonies.