The reapplication schedule for fire ant bait is site specific. One strategy is to apply baits twice yearly. Make the first application after the late spring mating flights. Suppression should last until fall, when the next application should be made. The fall application will help suppress ants until the following spring. Follow this schedule every year if reinfestation occurs from outlying fire ant colonies.
Another strategy is to wait until fire ant mounds exceed 20 per acre. Then reapply the bait. When early spring control is desired, use a single bait application in late summer or fall.
If you put fire ant bait out too early in the season, you will kill all the workers and allow new queens to invade the area. In most states, fire ant mating flights become less common after the end of May, but they may occur following a rain event anytime during the summer and early fall.
If you apply fire ant bait in the winter or early spring, fire ant workers may not pick up the bait. Fire ants are cold-blooded animals; thus their movement is limited in cold weather. Additionally, the behavior of fire ants in the winter may change so that they are not attracted to the fire ant bait. Learn how quickly the particular fire ant bait works, and choose the appropriate bait for your needs.
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Find more information about fire ants in eXtension's Imported Fire Ant Resource Area.
