Bait Basics for Management of Imported Fire Ants in Cattle Production

• Introduction
• The Problem
• Developing a Management Plan
• Bait Basics

• Formulations
• Application Timing
• Broadcast Application Methods
• Speed and Duration of Control
• Cost-Saving Considerations

• Individual Mound Treatments
• More Information
• Disclaimer
• Contributors
• Print this Lesson

The broadcast application of a bait product is the least toxic, most cost effective, and environmentally sound approach to reducing imported fire ants in large areas of land. These treatments are particularly suitable where fire ant mounds are numerous (20 or more per acre). In these areas, preservation of native ants is of less concern and treatments may actually increase native ant species numbers after imported fire ants have been reduced. Some ant species, such as red harvester ants, may be particularly sensitive to some bait products, such as those containing hydramethylnon.