Organizing a Community Wide Fire Ant Suppression Program

• Introduction
• Management Options
• Organizing a Suppression Program

• Consider Resources and Needs
• Program Planning

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

Fire ant management programs can be successful, but because they are usually implemented by individuals on their own properties, re-infestation from nearby untreated areas can quickly occur. Some baits on the market, such as those containing hydramethylnon, were originally developed for area-wide treatment programs and are best suited for large-scale use.

In Texas, four homeowner associations in San Antonio (Jade Oaks and Countryside) and Austin (Mt. Bonnell and Apache Oaks) conducted pilot projects from 1998 through 1999 and had participation rates of 89 to 98 percent. Fire ants were treated periodically by volunteers or professionals. Populations of imported fire ants were reduced by an average of 91 percent, while the numbers of native and competitor ants increased from an average of 6.3 to an average of 9.5 species.

Homeowners who participated spent 84 percent less on treatments (costs decreased from $35.82 to $5.86 per property per year) and used less insecticide. Surveys documented both a reduction in fire ant problems and an increase in residents’ knowledge about fire ants. Baton Rouge, Louisiana has also had a number of community-wide programs. The “Fire Ant Funeral” held at Magnolia Woods, a 300-acre subdivision, reduced fire ants 90 percent after the first two seasons of broadcasting bait products (methoprene and pyriproxyfen). This program was a massive organizational effort, but all it took was a leader, dedicated volunteers, and a little hard work.

Despite great public concern, neither the federal government nor state governments in the southeastern United States are currently planning or funding any large-scale fire ant treatment programs. It is up to local organizations to implement the best IPM strategy for a particular situation. With the help of experts in the field—including Extension agents, Master Gardeners and farm advisors—any group can organize an effective fire ant suppression program with or without the help of a governmental agency. In some California counties efforts to treat infestations are ongoing, and in other parts of the world eradication attempts are being implemented (see History and Control Efforts).

The “Two-Step Method” (Program 1) for Home Lawns and Other Ornamental Turf Areas is often the method best suited for community-wide treatment. Homeowners and land managers may still need to treat a few mounds (Step 2) between large-scale broadcast bait treatments, but far fewer than if no bait had been applied. In other areas, where ant surveys have documented that there are few imported fire ants and many competitor ant species, Program 2, or program combinations, may be more suitable.