Berry’s Picks

Fire Ant Control

With the recent excellent rainfall we have received in the county, fire ant mounds have started popping up everywhere. This moisture and the start of warmer temperatures will increase fire ant activity in yards. Here is the best method to control fire ants around your home.

The Two Step Fire Ant Control method for controlling fire ants has been proven to be effective and if you’re not on the program, now is the time to start. The first step of the Two Step method emphasizes applying broadcast bait when the ants are actively foraging. As soon as the temperatures warm-up, it will be an excellent time to apply the broadcast bait. There are many different brand names for the bait products but basically they all work because the worker ants bring it back to the mound and feed it to the queen and other ants.

Here are a few key points when applying baits:

■ Make sure that you use fresh bait, preferably a new container that has never been opened.

■ Apply when the ground and grass are dry and rain is not expected for 48 hours.

■ Apply when ants are looking for food. This is usually in the late afternoon or evening.

■ Apply with a hand-held seed spreader. Do not mix the product with fertilizer or seed.

■ Re-apply baits in about 6 months.

The second portion of the Two Step method is treating individual mounds. Limit step two mound treatments to those mounds located near the house or other sensitive areas where you want fast control. If you only have a few mounds in your yard, this may be all you need to do? For this treatment use a product designed for MOUND treatment. It can be a drench or a granular product. Always follow the label directions on the bait and mound treatment products that you choose

If you live in a neighborhood, it would be a good idea to get all your neighbors to complete the same treatments. This will greatly improve your control efforts. It takes longer for fire ants to re-infest when larger areas and multiple yards are treated with the Two-Step Method. That means fewer applications and less time spent controlling ants.