Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1
Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 is an outdoor mound treatment that kills fire ants quickly and destroys both the mound and the queen.
What We Like
Many fire ant experts recommend a two-step approach to getting rid of fire ants: treat your entire yard and target individual fire ant mounds. Fire ants frequently relocate, so even treated yards can develop new mounds as fire ants migrate or expand their territories. This is where fire ant killers, including those that target just mounds, come into play.
Ortho markets Orthene Fire Ant Killer 1 as “Step 1: Kill the Mound,” the first part of the manufacturer’s two-part fire ant treatment program. However, you can use it as a standalone mound treatment. This fast-acting product is designed to treat visible fire ant mounds as they appear, killing both mounds and fire ant queens. The dry powder formula requires no watering-in, making application quick and easy.
Performance: Works Fast, Kills the Queen
Unlike some dual-purpose products, Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 1 is an outdoor fire ant treatment designed exclusively for mounds. The active ingredient, acephate, is widely used in fire ant killers to eliminate these pests by contact. As with other contact killers, this product only kills fire ants that come into direct or indirect contact with the treated ants.
Many contact killers require you to water the treated area immediately after application to release the active ingredients and move them through the soil. However, Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 is a powder meant to stay dry, not be watered in.
The product promises to kill fire ants within 60 minutes. It also targets fire ant mounds and queens—tthe only way to kill the entire fire ant colony. This commitment is accompanied by a satisfaction guarantee.
Application: Forget Watering-In, But Beware of Breezes
Because Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 1 is a dry powder formula, be extra careful when opening and using the product. The instructions warn against shaking the container, which features a neat seal opener built into the cap. Simply follow the instructions on the lid, turn the cap upside down, and it tears the inner seal—without the powder going airborne. When you finish treating, the cap screws back on the rigid plastic container easily.
Since you shouldn’t water in this product after application, it’s more convenient than many others. It’s also easier to avoid disturbing the ants and causing relocation—oor risking bites and stings. However, the dry, whitish powder can drift easily unless the air is completely calm. Plus, this product has a strong, unpleasant smell.
Many mound products use a set application rate for all mounds, but Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 1 recommends different rates based on mound size. A mound less than 4 inches in diameter requires just 1 teaspoon, while mounds greater than 12 inches in diameter need 3 tablespoons. (The label conveniently reminds us that 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons.)
Treat new mounds by sprinkling the dry powder over the mound. Always use a measuring spoon devoted to pesticides. Never return a treatment spoon to the kitchen, no matter how thoroughly you clean it.
For best results, apply this powder contact killer when ants are active—typically early morning, late afternoon, or early evening during warm, moderate weather. Fire ants move deeper into the soil during hot, dry conditions, making this product less effective as it needs contact to kill fire ant colonies.
Because this product’s effectiveness relies on staying dry, do not apply it when dew is heavy or rain is on the way. As with other fire ant killers, keep this product away from vegetable gardens and other edible crops.
After the dust has settled, pets and children can re-enter the treated areas
When you treat an area for fire ants or any other pest, protect your pets and family by clearing the area during the application. Then, follow the label instructions for when it’s safe for you and your pets to reenter the area. With Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 1, wait until the dust from the powder settles.
Competition: Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer vs. Over’n Out! Advanced Fire Ant Killer Mound Eliminator
Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 1 and Over’n Out! Advanced Fire Ant Killer Mound Eliminator are both mound treatments that work by contact. Only fire ants who come into contact with treated ants or the substance are destroyed. The Ortho powder comes in a rigid plastic container, while the Over’n Out granular product comes in a resealable bag. Both items are dried and ready for use.
The Ortho powder product should remain dry after application. While the convenience of not watering in is appreciated, the powder can drift slightly even when close to the ground, which is a downside. The Over’n Out granular product must be watered in to release the active ingredients into the mound. The extra step ensures the contact killer reaches underground and into the colony.
Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 promises to kill within 60 minutes and to kill the queen and destroy the mound. However, it’s not clear if the one-hour time frame applies to the queen. Over’n Out! The Advanced Fire Ant Killer Mound Eliminator pledges to kill the mound in 15 minutes and the queen within 24 hours. Both items come with warranties, while Over’n Out offers up to six months of control. The Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 1 label doesn’t promise long-lasting control beyond the initial application.
Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 promises to kill within 60 minutes and to kill the queen and destroy the mound. However, it’s not clear if the one-hour time frame applies to the queen. Over’n Out! The Advanced Fire Ant Killer Mound Eliminator pledges to kill the mound in 15 minutes and the queen within 24 hours. Both items come with warranties, while Over’n Out offers up to six months of control. The Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 1 label doesn’t promise long-lasting control beyond the initial application.
The 4-pound bag of Over’n Out product costs $10.54 for about 16 treatments, based on the recommended application rate. One application can last six months, at about 66 cents per mound. So, depending on the size of the mounds you’re treating, the Ortho product’s per-mound price may offer better value.
Additional tips and insights
For effective fire ant control, consider a comprehensive yard treatment strategy. Spot new mounds and signs of fire ant activity early. Prevent reinfestation with regular treatments and maintenance. Use the recommended tools and protective gear during application.
Conclusion: Convenient, Fast-Acting Mound Treatment
Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 is a convenient contact mound killer that doesn’t require watering-in to kill the mound and the queen. It costs more than other contact killers, but the per-mound price translates to good value on smaller mounds—iif you don’t mind the powder and the smell.
Share your experience
We’d love to hear from you! Share your tips for dealing with fire ants in the comments below. If you’ve used Orthene Fire Ant Killer, let us know about your experience. Have questions? Feel free to ask! For those looking to purchase Orthene Fire Ant Killer 1, you can find it here. For more information on fire ant control, check out our related articles and resources.
Fire Ant Life Cycle
How the Orthene Fire Ant Killer Affects Fire Ants
Orthene Fire Ant Killer disrupts the fire ant’s nervous system, leading to paralysis and death. The active ingredient in Orthene, acephate, is an organophosphate insecticide that works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme is essential for proper nerve function, and when it is inhibited, the ants become paralyzed and die.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Orthene Fire Ant Killer affects each stage of the fire ant’s life cycle:
Eggs: Orthene will not directly kill the eggs, but it can prevent them from hatching by affecting the queen’s egg-laying ability.
Larvae: Larvae that come into contact with Orthene will be poisoned and die.
Pupae: Pupae are also susceptible to Orthene and will die if they come into contact with it.
Adults: Adult fire ants that come into contact with Orthene will be poisoned and die. Orthene can also be transferred to other ants through contact, so even if an ant doesn’t come into direct contact with the product, it can still be killed.
User reviews and ratings
Orthene Fire Ant Killer has garnered impressive feedback from users, showcasing its effectiveness and ease of use. With a stellar 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 25,660 ratings, it’s clear that this product delivers results. Here’s what some users are saying:
Performance Highlights:
- Easy to use: 4.7/5
- Easy to Spread: 4.6/5
- Value for money: 4.6/5
- Scent: 3.0/5
Fisher: ★★★★★
“This stuff is incredible! I’ve applied it to maybe 10–15 ant hills so far, and it wiped out every one on the first application. It smells like sauerkraut and can be a little messy to apply, but it works 100% effectively.”
Jodi: ★★★★★
“The product works just as it says. Easy to sprinkle over the mounds. Within around 15 minutes, the ants began to die. The bottle size is more than double what is needed, so transfer to a smaller container for easy access. Highly recommend for red ant infestations.”
Jay: ★★★★★
“Love it! Gets rid of roaches real quick.”
Dan J.: ★★★★★
“I’ve had two big red ant beds in my yard for years. I treated them twice, and I haven’t seen an ant since. It’s a very fine powder, so wear a mask and gloves. It has a strong odor, so don’t open it indoors.”
Debs: ★★★★☆
“Works great, but at a cost! It kills ants and roaches quickly, but the smell is monstrous. I used it three days ago, and the smell still remains. Despite that, I definitely recommend it.”
Dr. Sam: ★★★★★
“Acephate (the active ingredient) works as advertised. Easy to use and more convenient than sprays. I like seeing collapsed mounds on my next mowing. Ortho really kicks ants in the acephate!”
Meagan: ★★★★★
“It actually works. I followed the instructions exactly, and my giant ant hills are gone. Be prepared for the horrid smell, but it’s worth it for the results. 10/10.”
Mauricio: ★★★★★
“I bought this for a huge pest problem and placed it along wall cracks. Pest-free for four months now. Great for persistent pest problems in older buildings.”
BravefighterTTV: ★★★★★
“Great for combating roach infestations. Mix them with sugar and parmesan cheese to attract them. If you’re vigilant, you can get rid of almost all roaches in your house.”
Sylvia: ★★★★☆
“Works for a variety of bugs that may appear in the house as a result of rain or heat. It smells really bad, so wear a mask and gloves. It does not kill instantly, but I find dead bugs on the floor when I come home. I’m not sure if it’s kid- and pet-friendly, so use with caution.”
These user reviews reflect the high satisfaction levels with Orthene Fire Ant Killer, particularly for its effectiveness and ease of use, despite the strong odor.
