Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 Review – Effective Mound Control?

Dealing with fire ants in the yard can be a real hassle. We recently tried out Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer to see if it lives up to its claims.

After using it on several mounds, we noticed it works pretty fast—starting to take effect within an hour. It’s easy to apply; you just sprinkle the powder directly over the mound and don’t need to water it in.

This stuff does a solid job destroying both the mound and the queen, which helps stop the colony from coming back. The smell, though, is strong and honestly kind of unpleasant.

It also works best when ants are active, so timing your treatment matters. If you apply it when they’re not out and about, you might not see the results you want.

Overview of Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1

We found this fire ant killer straightforward and effective for tackling fire ant mounds in our yard. The powder form makes it easy to spread right over the mound—no watering needed.

It starts working quickly, usually within about an hour, which helps reduce ant activity fast. The strong smell is a downside, though, and some folks might find it off-putting.

The product works best when ants are active, so timing matters. The two-pack gave us enough product to handle multiple mounds without running out.

Key Features

When tackling fire ants, effectiveness and ease of use matter most. We think this product balances both pretty well, even if it’s not perfect.

Kills the Queen and Destroys Mounds

Its real strength is how it targets the queen. By eliminating her, the whole colony collapses, which is key to long-term control.

We’ve seen mounds disappear completely after treatment. It goes beyond just killing random ants, making it useful for bigger infestations.

Fast-Acting Formula: Begins Working in 60 Minutes

One thing that stands out is how quickly it starts working. Within an hour, you’ll probably see a difference.

That means less waiting and more time enjoying your yard. We noticed the ants became less active fast, which was reassuring.

No Watering Needed for Application

This feature makes it easy to apply. Unlike some treatments, you don’t have to pour water over the mound.

We just sprinkled it on the mound, following the package instructions. No extra steps, which saves time and keeps things less messy.

Treats Up to 162 Mounds Per Pack

A single pack covers a lot of mounds, making it efficient for bigger yards or multiple treatments. The amount in the two bottles felt generous, and we didn’t have to rush to buy more.

For most homeowners, this coverage is practical and helps keep costs down.

Pros and Cons

When dealing with stubborn fire ants in the yard, it’s important to weigh both what works well and what doesn’t. After using this product, here’s what we found.

Pros

• Fast acting: The formula starts working in about an hour, which is quicker than many other treatments we’ve tried.
• Effective on queen ants: It really seems to kill the queen and break down the mound, stopping the colony at its source.
• Easy to apply: Just sprinkle over the mound—no need to water it in or do extra steps. This saved us time.
• Versatile: Works not only on fire ants but also on other large ants we found in our yard, like black and red ants.
• Two bottles in one pack: Having a 2-pack means you can cover more mounds or keep an extra bottle on hand for later.

Cons

• Strong odor: The smell is pretty unpleasant, so using it requires good ventilation or doing it when you won’t be hanging around the treated area.
• Limited volume: Each bottle is 12 oz., which might not be enough for very large yards with lots of mounds unless you buy multiple packs.
• Not rainproof immediately: If it rains soon after application, it won’t work as well, so timing your treatment around weather is important.
• Some effort needed: You have to carry the bottle and sprinkle carefully to target mounds, which might not be ideal for treating large areas quickly.

This ant killer works well but requires careful application and some patience with the smell. It’s a solid choice for focused mound treatment if you’re not looking for a broad, quick spray.

Customer Reviews

We found that this ant treatment works fairly quickly. Many users noticed effects within a short time.

The big positive is how it targets fire ant queens and mounds, helping to reduce large ant colonies. People liked the clear instructions and easy application.

However, the strong odor was a common complaint, making the experience less pleasant for some. Also, pouring the mixed solution directly on the mounds takes some effort, which can be tricky in wet weather or on uneven ground.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Pros: Fast acting, kills queen and mound, reliable results
• Cons: Strong chemical smell, requires manual application, sensitive to rain conditions

Tips for Best Results

When using this ant killer, timing and application really matter. We found that sprinkling the granules directly over each mound without watering worked best.

Waiting for dry weather helps because rain can wash the product away and reduce its effect. Applying the right amount to each mound is important.

Using too little might not reach the queen, so follow the label’s guidance carefully. Treating multiple mounds at once improves overall control.

For the best outcome, you can combine this with a broadcast granule treatment over your lawn. We noticed results within a few hours, but giving it a couple of days ensures the queen and colony are fully gone.

After trying out the Ortho Fire Ant Killer, I noticed it knocks out fire ant mounds pretty quickly. You have to use it the right way, though—dumping water over the mound after applying the product seems to make all the difference.

Honestly, the smell is pretty strong and not exactly pleasant. Using it takes a bit more work than just spraying and walking away.

It’s definitely not an instant fix, but if you’re tired of stubborn fire ants, this stuff gets to the root of the problem. Just brace yourself for the odor and follow the steps carefully.

If you want to really tackle those ants and don’t mind a bit of effort, it’s a solid pick for yard pest control.