• Introduction
• The Problem
• Developing a Management Plan
• Bait Basics
• Individual Mound Treatments
• More Information
• Disclaimer
• Contributors
• Print this Lesson

Individual mound treatments are generally considered the most labor intensive and costly treatment methods, and they give the shortest fire ant free period. However, fast-acting methods are the most desirable in some situations. Where imported fire ant mound numbers are small (fewer than 20 mounds per acre) or where preservation of native ant species such as red harvester ants and other competitor ant species is desired, this may be a preferred method. Some products, such as those containing pyrethrins, pyrethroids, or d-limonene, can provide almost immediate control when and where necessary. Individual mound treatments are most effective when the queen and her brood are near the top of the mound. During cold, hot, or dry conditions, the queen may be deeper in the ground and survive the treatment. Finding all of the mounds in an area may be a challenge and colonies that do not have visible mounds will be missed so you may have to retreat in a short time.

Acephate products such as Orthene Turf, Tree, and Ornamental Spray can be diluted in water and poured over a mound. This is known as a mound drench. The dust formulation can also be used straight from the container by sprinkling a measured amount of powder on top of the mound. Use on lawns and noncrop areas. Retail and agricultural formulations of carbaryl (Sevin) are available for use as a mound drench on lawns, non-crop areas, pastures, and hayfields. It is one of the least expensive mound treatments available for treating ant mounds in pastures (about $.10 per mound for the cost of the chemical) when the diluted product is poured onto mounds from a nurse tank. Many more ant mound treatment products are available for use in nonagricultural sites in a cattle operation. Some are considered organic. Some cost pennies per treated mound; others could cost more than $1.00 per treated mound. Time from treatment to control varies. IGR bait products, for instance, have mound treatment instructions on product labels. Speed of control compared to the broadcast application of these materials, however, does not increase when applying material to individual mounds. Always read and follow instructions on the product label.