Fire Ants
Identification
The key identification for Fire Ants is their dome shaped mounds that can be found in the yard, around sidewalks, electrical utility boxes, potted plants, landscape timbers and many other places. Fire ants are quite small (2-6mm) and come in a variety of sizes within one nest. Their heads and bodies are coppery-brown; two segmented nodes, uneven thorax and their abdomens are darker with a stinger. They are aggressive, particularly near the nest, and can inflict painful stings.
Mound Baiting
Individual mound treatment with bait is the fastest way to eliminate the Fire Ant colonies on small properties when mounds can be seen. But it takes more product and labor looking for, finding and baiting each mound. You may also miss colonies nesting under sidewalks, rocks and stumps. Bait should be applied around the mound and not on it. Be sure not to contaminate the bait with another insecticide. Depending on the bait used, elimination could take 3-14 days with mound treatment. Never apply bait if ground is wet from dew or rain is expected within 6hrs. Homeowner should not irrigate for 24hrs after application. These baits may be re-applied within 7 days.
Broadcast Bait and Insecticide Treatments
Broadcasting bait on the entire property/yard should be performed for continuous protection for fire ants. It also helps in eliminating Fire Ants that may enter the structure and nesting in areas that can't be seen. When treating the entire yard, it's crucial that you know the square footage being treated to apply the correct amount of product. Baits should be applied with a hand spreader due to low volume of product needed and can be re-applied every 12-14 weeks.
Inside Infestation
Fire Ant infestations inside the structure can usually be controlled by treating the exterior. There are times when treating the exterior may not eliminate the ants quickly and inside treatment is needed.
