Do-it-yourself Fire Ant Control The Two-Step Method Do-it-yourself Fire Ant Control

Fire ants don’t like the Two-Step! 77% of users report better control

Step 1: Let them eat bait Broadcast a fire ant bait over the entire yard Use a seed spreader to ensure uniform coverage

Broadcast bait applications Advantages Quick and easy Among safest fire ant controls Least expensive method for large areas Less labor required Disadvantages Slow May affect some other ants

Secrets to success with baits Apply only fresh baits check date of manufacture test some first Apply when rain is not expected Apply when ants are active

When are fire ants active? When soil surface temperatures are between 70° and 95° F May - September in most areas Evenings during hot weather

Fire ant bait products Amdro Raid Logic Combat

Amdro® - hydramethynon Fastest of the baits Quick control best for small yards where reinfestation is likely Speed related to dose. Can be used as a mound treatment

Raid® /Ascend™ / Advance™ - abamectin Slow acting nervous system toxin Requires 8 to 12 weeks for control Speed related to dose. Can be used as a mound treatment

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) Do not kill ants Reproductive ants are born sterile Halts egg-laying by queen As workers die, they are not replaced Control requires 8 to 12 weeks

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) fenoxycarb (Logic®, Award®) methoprene (Extinguish™) pyriproxifen (Distance®)

How often should baits be applied? Every 8 weeks, or as needed Amdro Once or twice a year fenoxycarb (Logic, Award) methoprene (Extinguish) pyriproxifen (Distance)

Safety No hazard to children, pets, birds, earthworms when properly applied. Do not apply baits directly to streams or lakes. Some products may be toxic to pets in large doses.

Step 2: Treat the mounds Treat problem mounds with an individual mound treatment Not all mounds need to be treated

Individual mount treatments Disadvantages More expensive for large areas More labor intensive Treatments affect only visible mounds Advantages Fast Insecticides applied only to targeted mound

Individual mound treatments Liquid concentrates and Ready-to-use liquids Granular insecticides Dusts Aerosols “Organic formulations”

Secrets to success with mound treatments Use 1 to 2 gallons of water per mound when using liquids, granules and some dusts Do not disturb the mound unnecessarily

Tackle fire ants in the Fall! Make it a neighborhood effort Baits work well during cool season when ants are less active Fall applications give better control of ants in the Spring

Two Step Summary Step 1: Let them eat bait Step 2: Treat the mounds Broadcast at 1 to 1½ pounds per acre Step 2: Treat the mounds Treat only problem mounds Sidewalks, house perimeters, high traffic areas

For more information, contact your county Extension agent Request the Two-Step fact sheet, L-5070 On the Internet: http://fireant.tamu.edu