Several bait-formulated insecticide products are available to treat fire ants without exposing pets or people. Broadcasting the bait around the structure and in the crawl space allows foraging worker ants to collect and take the bait back to the colony.
Baits reduce overall ant population levels around and under the house, thereby reducing the likelihood of ants entering the home. Fire ant baits containing the active ingredients fipronil, hydramethylnon, indoxacarb, or spinosad are fairly fast acting.
You can also use baits containing abamectin, fenoxycarb, methoprene, or pyriproxyfen, but these baits are slower acting. In addition to the bait, applying a contact insecticide as a barrier around home entry points can reduce the number of ants coming into the house.
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- Broadcast Bait Products for Fire Ant Control
- Which Bait Do I Use
- Fire Ant Management Options for Homes and Buildings
Find more information about fire ants in eXtension's Imported Fire Ant Resource Area.
