Fire Ants And Occasional Invaders
Homeowners may find themselves spending more time outside this month, whether it’s dealing with the lawn or being at the poolside. Whatever the activity, it’s important to be aware of pests that may cause harm to you and your family.
Homeowners may find themselves spending more time outside this month, whether it’s dealing with the lawn or being at the poolside. Whatever the activity, it’s important to be aware of pests that may cause harm to you and your family.
Most people who have spent any time in their yard or garden have had some experience with fire ants, whether it’s being stung by one (or many!) or trying to get rid of them. The Texas Cooperative Extension has a thorough guide on handling fire ants called “The Texas Two-Step Method.” Specifically designed to give control of red imported fire ants in larger lawns and even to entire neighborhoods, this method poses little risk for humans and pets.
Texas Two-Step Method
The Two-Step Method begins with spreading fire ant bait over the entire lawn. When fire ants collect these baits, they carry it with them to all colonies in the yard which are shared among the fire ants in their underground nests. Baits contain food combined with a slow-acting insecticide. Baits can be extremely effective since it is the ants who deliver the insecticide themselves to the colony. Baits work best when applied lightly over the entire yard or area where treatment is needed. This controls both visible and hidden fire ant nests.
Two types of spreaders can be used to broadcast baits – the best type to use depends on the kind of bait chosen. Baits designed to be applied at rates of one to one and a half pounds per acre can be put out using a hand-held seed spreader. Set the spreader to the smallest setting. One pass over the area to be treated is generally sufficient, as the amounts to be applied are very low, usually less than a half of a pound over a whole residential lawn. Some products are specially formulated to be put out at higher rates using a standard, push-type fertilizer spreader. Read the label for the product you choose to determine the best type of spreader to use.
– Granular products, which contain an insecticide that releases into the soil when water is applied. Sprinkle the recommended amount of insecticide on top and around the mound. Most products should then be watered into the mound with at least one to two gallons of water. A sprinkling can is best for gently washing chemicals into the nest without washing the granules off the mound. Do not use a hose for this purpose.
– Liquid concentrates, which are mixed with water and applied to a mound. As with granules, always use one to two gallons of water per mound to get enough solution deep into the nest where the queen lives.
– Insecticide dusts, which are designed to be sprinkled lightly over the entire mound. Avoid disturbing the mound during the application, as this can disturb and disperse the ants. It