Home gardeners vs. fire ants (6-1-09)

If you have a lawn or garden in Mississippi, then no one needs to explain to you what fire ants are. Even first time observers learn quickly what fire ants can do. With the recent rains fire ant mounds have become quite visible in many lawns. Not only are these mounds unsightly, but the sting from fire ants can be extremely painful and for some people even life threatening. Therefore, controlling fire ants should be as much a part of your lawn management activities as fertilizing, watering, and mowing.

There are several methods of controlling fire ants but applying baits is probably the most convenient and easiest. Baits can be very effective when applied according to the following tips.

• Only use baits that are specifically labeled for fire ants.
• Read the label twice, once before you buy and again before you treat.
• Apply fire ant baits by broadcasting them over the entire yard.
• Don’t apply too much. The rate for most baits is only one to two pounds per acre.
• Use a spreader specifically designed for fire ant bait.
• Avoid irrigating for at least two days after applying baits.
• Try to avoid applying baits just before rainfall.
• Treat again if rainfall occurs within 12 hours after a bait application.
• Use fresh bait. Ants don’t like old bait that has gone rancid.
• Be patient. Baits are slow-acting.
• Apply fire ant baits preventively. Don’t wait till you see large mounds.
• Apply baits one to three times per year, depending on location.
• Use the holidays, Easter, Independence Day, and Labor Day as reminders.
• Use individual mound treatments to eliminate mounds the baits miss.

For more information on fire ant control there are several excellent publications found at your local Extension office or can be downloaded for the extension web at www.msucares.com. Once at the home page simply type fire ants after clicking on the search button.

Published June 1, 2009

Dr. Wayne Wells is an Extension Professor and Turfgrass Specialist. His mailing address is Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mail Stop 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762. wwells@ext.msstate.edu