Controlling Fire Ants in Urban Areas Nathan Riggs

Controlling Fire Ants in Urban Areas Nathan Riggs, Extension Agent-IPM Texas Agricultural Extension Service Bexar County Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Plan

Estimated Future and Current Range of Red Imported Fire Ants Too Cold In Winter!!! (15ºF) ~1920

Homestead

Fire Ants……………Good? !?

Fire Ant Control Strategies • *Two-Step Method (Twice per Year) – Heavy Infestations 20 or more mounds per acre • Broadcast Bait Only (1 - 1½ pounds per acre) • Individual Mound (Spot) Treatments – Light Infestations Up to 20 mounds per acre • No Ant Method ( ) – For situations where NO ants are allowed Allergic persons, golf courses, special gatherings

Fire Ant Baits

Tips for Applying Fire Ant Bait Insecticides • • • BAIT MUST BE FRESH! Temperature must be between 70ºF and 95ºF. Grass must be dry (Soil can be moist) No rain expected for 12 -24 hours after application Do Not mix bait with fertilizer or use push-type spreaders • DO NOT DISTURB THE MOUND!

Organic and Non-Chemical Alternatives • Organic Options – Pyrethrins Plus Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – DE alone (Horticultural Type Only) – Citrus Oil Solutions, Rotenone, and Others • Physical and Mechanical Options – Hot/Boiling Water (60% kill on FRESH Mounds Only) – Shoveling (Use talcum powder on handle) – Shade (Fire ants won’t live in the shade)

Fire Ant Control Strategies • Community Program – Group Participation – Agree on Control Strategy – Respect Differences • Reduce insecticides up to 75%!!! • $aves Money! (Avg. Cost per Homeowner: $5 for 6 to 12 months of LOWER to NO fire ants)

Safety of Bait Applications • Baits pose NO hazard to children, pets, birds, earthworms when properly applied. • Do not apply baits directly to streams or lakes.

Product Safety Information • Product • LD 50* Ascend® Fire Ant Bait Logic/Award® AMDRO/Combat® 0. 5% Dursban™ 5% diazinon Sevin® dust Orthene® dust ~409 lbs. ~252 lbs. ~103 lbs. ~8 lbs. ~4 lbs. ~1 lb. ~4. 8 OZ! • Birds/Mammals +- / ++ / + +- / -- / -+ / -- (+ Fish) * These numbers are estimated for a 150 lb human - LD 50 is the dose needed to kill 50% of a test population

Home Remedies To Control Fire Ants Product Effect, If Any Gasoline/Diesel DON’T DO IT!!! Home Cleaning Agents DON’T DO IT!!! Grits, Cornmeal, Flour, etc. . . Moves the Mound NOT DEADLY TO ANTS

Fire Ant Management Alternatives • Biological Control Options? – Preserve “Desirable” Ants – Natural Enemies from South America

Fire Ant Project Website http: //fireant. tamu. edu

Texas Ag. Extension Service Bexar County Office 3427 Northeast Parkway San Antonio, TX 78218 (210) 467 -6575 or 6578 Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Plan

The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service or the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station is implied. Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.