Comanche Extension Agent Michael Berry
Fire Ant Control
This is a subject that perhaps I write about too often, but this is one pest we are constantly having to deal with. Following the amazing fall rains we have had, fire ants have gone wild. I do not remember seeing as many new mounds popping up in yards as I do this fall. If you are seeing lots of new mounds in your yard, even though it is late in the season, I would encourage you to go ahead and take action so that you don’t have so many to contend with next year. If you do not treat all the mounds that have popped up this fall, you will go into winter with a very large population to deal with next spring. The following Two-Step method has been proving to be very effective against fire ants.
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, 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 and 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. For more information on the Texas Two-Step method, call or come by the office and pick up a Two-Step pamphlet or you can look it up online on our website at https://comanche. agrilife.org/.