• Introduction
• Management Options
• Organizing a Community-Wide Suppression Program
• Treatment Methods

• Natural and Biological Control
• Physical and Mechanical Methods
• Control Devices
• Home Remedies
• Organic Insecticides
• Chemical Control

• Baits
• Contact Insecticides for Individual Mounds
• Mound Drenches
• Granular Products
• Dusts
• Injectable Products
• Surface Applications

• Biology and Identification
• Medical Problems
• History of Control Efforts
• Fire Ant Insecticides
• Policy Statement
• Acknowledgments
• Print this Lesson

Pesticides are products designed to kill certain organisms. An insecticide is a pesticide formulated to kill insects. Chemical insecticides (both “organic” and man-made or synthetic products) continue to be the main method of battling fire ants. Insecticides registered by the EPA are considered to pose minimal risk to the user and the environment when used as directed. Insecticide applications can be aimed at the foraging ants and/or at the entire colony. Fire Ant Insecticides for use in Urban Areas lists fire ant insecticides by generic names of active ingredients. Carefully follow directions on the product label to understand the proper method of application, what protective clothing must be worn, re-entry intervals to observe, and proper watering practices before and after treatment.