Top 10 Things To Know About Fire Ant Treatment
Q: How do I identify fire ants?
A: In areas where fire ants are commonly found, most people identify this pest by the mound's appearance. The fire ant's bite's painful sting is another good indicator, but not recommended as an identification method. Fire ants build mounds in almost any soil type, but they prefer open sunny areas such as pastures, parks, lawns, and fields. Their mounds can grow 18 to 24 inches in height if the soil conditions are right. Often mounds are located in rotting logs and around stumps and trees. Colonies can also occur in or under buildings. The ants themselves are reddish-brown and roughly 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length.
Q: Are all fire ants the same?
A: Actually, there are several species of fire ants found throughout the United States; some of them indigenous. The Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) is considered the worst of all varieties. It has become a significant pest in many parts of the country. This ant’s ability to rapidly reproduce, its aggressive swarming behavior, and painful stings have made the Red Imported Fire Ant one of the most detested insects around. The ant was accidentally introduced into the United States during the 1930s through the port of Mobile, Alabama. Red Imported Fire Ants have currently spread into at least 15 states that we know.
Q: How can I prevent fire ants?
A: Two methods of prevention work well. The first, and our favorite for states with high fire ants concentrations, is to broadcast fire ant bait. Two of the most effective baits are Advion Fire Ant Bait or Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait.
They should be broadcast in early spring before the ants begin to form new colonies. It would be best if you also broadcast bait again in the fall.
The bait kills the queen once the worker ants gather it and bring it to her as food. Any mounds that survive should be treated individually by sprinkling the same bait around each mound base as they are noticed.
You can use Acephate Pro 75 SP to treat each mound between the fall and spring broadcasting protocol.
We have Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait, and Acephate Pro 75 SP combined kits called Texas 2 Step Fire Ant Kit-Small or Texas Size 2 Step Fire Ant Kit-Large
Top Fire Ant Baits
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Extinguish Plus ‐ Top Recommendation
Extinguish Plus comes in three sizes: 1 lb, 4.5 lb, and 25 lb containers. Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait has
two active ingredients for its killing power. It has an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR),
preventing all new Ant generations. The other active ingredient kills the existing colony.
- The Extinguish Plus Bait is a slower acting bait than the Advion Fire Ant Bait.
- Since Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait is a slower acting bait, it is recommended that you use it with Agrisel's Acephate Pro 75 SP to kill the mounds as arise, waiting for Extinquish's IGR to complete its action.
- We have two kits with this combination at discounted pricing called the Texas 2 Step Fire Ant Kits, small size, and large size.
- Acephate Pro 75 SP A one-pound container of Acephate Pro 75 SP can treat up to 96 Fire Ant mounds. Acephate Pro 75 SP is an agricultural Fire Ant insecticide. Acephate Pro 75 SP (Acephate 75%) is an effective Fire Ant control.
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Advion Ant
Bait
is a fast-acting bait, killing the entire colony quickly. However, it does not have an IGR to
prevent new Ant generations; you will need to repeat treatment with this bait.
- Broadcast treatment: 1.5 ‐ 5 lbs. per acre, mounds: 4 level tablespoons around the mound. Do not apply immediately before or after irrigation or rain.
- Comes in 2lb and 25 lb packages.
Q: What if I already have active mounds in the yard?
A: You will usually have better results by baiting each mound individually. Use Agrisel's Acephate 75 Pro with acephate around each mound. It is economical and quick-acting. Large, well-established mounds may need several treatments to eradicate. A broadcast application of bait should be spread around the yard in the fall to kill any remaining ants.
Q: I tried a fire ant bait once, and it didn't seem to work. Did I do something wrong?
A: Maybe. Fire ants think the bait is food, making the time of bait application crucial to the treatment's success. If the ants are not out gathering food, then they won't pick up the bait. Bait is most effective within the first few days of application. It is also essential to apply the right amount. With most baits, 1 to 1.5 lbs. per acre works well. When treating individual mounds, do not place the bait on the mound. Uniformly spread the bait 3 to 4 feet around the mound for best results.
Q: Are Granular Insecticide and Ant baits safe for my pets and kids?
A: As long as you read and follow all label directions, then your pets and children will not be affected by the treatments.
Q: Are fire ant stings lethal?
A: While their bites are painful to everyone, only a small percentage of people are allergic. Much like a bee sting, a fire ant sting can be severe, even lethal.
Q: What should I do if I get bitten by a fire ant?
A: Treat the stings as you would other insect stings or bites using an over‐the‐counter product. Keep the wound clean and intact to prevent infections.
Q: What if I have an allergic reaction to the sting?
A: Excessive swelling, itching or redness at the site of the sting, or other symptoms like shortness of breath, thickening of the tongue, or profuse sweating are all symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Seek professional medical attention immediately!
You can purchase any product talked about here, and many more at www.DIYPestcontrol.com. We offer commercial grade products not found in home improvement stores. All orders qualify for Free Shipping. We also have a full staff of trained technicians to answer any pest control questions you may have.
Contact us over the phone: 1-800-476-3368 or through info.diypestcontrol.com. We like hearing from our customers no matter how small the question.
