Bait products are generally the most affordable fire ant control when used correctly. At a minimum, broadcast treatments of fire ant baits should be applied at least twice a year, in the late spring and in the early fall. Mound treatments can be used after broadcast bait application for nuisance mounds. If you have been trying to control the same mounds year after year, most likely you are not killing the queen. Baits are more effective and provide longer term control because these products kill the queen and/or affect her egg laying ability. For very small areas or areas with only a few mounds, consider individual mound treatments using a contact insecticide, or surface treatments using a contact insecticide. Broadcast contact insecticides are generally the most expensive method of fire ant control. See also FAQ #824: "Which bait do I use?"

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