the Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Harris County
Resources
Links
Prevent Fire Ant Damage and Reduce Chemical Use Costs
Scott Russell, Extension Agent - IPM. (Fire Ant Project) for Dallas and Tarrant Counties, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Red imported fire ants are a significant pest in the eastern two-thirds of Texas, costing residents $300 million annually in crop, livestock injury and death, equipment damage, medical and veterinarian bills, and wildlife losses in both agricultural and urban areas. Fight back and reduce your own treatment costs.
In home lawns where fire ant mounds number greater than 5 per 1/4-acre lawn, broadcasting a fire ant bait formulated product can provide 80 percent to 90 percent control for less than $10. A residential lawn (5,000 square feet) will require only 4-6 ounces of a conventionally-formulated fire ant bait dispersed evenly across the area, although amounts vary by product formulation. Always read and follow all label instructions carefully.
There are several bait products on the market today. These products control ants by attracting them to feed on the bait. As ants then share this “food source” with other colony members, they also ingest the active ingredient, which ultimately reduces their populations.
Bait products use a much lower rate of active ingredient than do most individual mound treatment products employing contact insecticides. This means you can introduce considerably less material into the environment using baits, thereby minimizing potential adverse environmental effects and cost of control.
Working with neighbors to organize and implement a community-wide fire ant management attack plan can further improve the success of your efforts. Enjoy your summer with fewer fire ants.
For more information contact:
Paul Nester
Extension Agent - IPM
Fire Ant Project
Harris County
Phone: (281) 855-5600
or visit http://fireant.tamu.edu.
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxilary aids, services or accommodations in order to participate in Extension programs are encouraged to call 281.855.5600 to discuss specific needs.