Urban Fire Ant Suppression Program Planning

• 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

Determine Treatment Areas

Some localized areas, even within heavily infested regions, have little or no imported fire ant infestation or are colonized by desirable ant species. Surveys should be conducted to determine if the number of imported fire ant mounds is high enough to justify treatment and what type of treatment is necessary.

Respect Individual Differences

Sensitivity to fire ants and to insecticides varies dramatically from person to person. Some individuals might not want to participate in a control program because they believe fire ants are not a problem and serve useful purposes, or because they are opposed to using insecticides, natural or otherwise, on their property. At the other extreme are individuals who want no fire ants on their property and don’t care about the methods used to achieve that goal. Participation in an area-wide program should be voluntary or decided upon through a democratic process.

Promote Education and Recognize Limitations

The strengths and limitations of the program should be acknowledged. For instance, a broadcast bait will eliminate most (usually 80 to 90 percent) of the fire ant mounds in an area temporarily (up to 18 months). It will not eradicate them permanently. The speed at which suppression will occur with most bait products is rather slow. Periodic, coordinated re-application will be necessary to maintain control. Between broadcast treatments, some individual colonies may occur that require individual mound treatment. Properties that border untreated areas such as agricultural lands, water edges, flood plains and wilderness will likely have a continuous reinfestation of ant colonies unless the borders of these areas are treated to form an extended barrier or buffer zone.

Follow Pesticide Laws and Regulations

In each state there is an agency that regulates the commercial application of pesticides (e.g., Texas Structural Pest Control Board, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry). Although you can apply insecticides on your own property, you can not treat other yards in the neighborhood for a fee without a license. State laws mandate that anyone applying insecticides for a fee be licensed and insured. With permission, however, volunteers can treat community lands and other properties. In some states there are special regulations governing the use of pesticides to treat public school grounds.

Read and Retain the Insecticide Product Label

Those who use insecticides must keep the label with the product. Never purchase a large quantity of insecticide and repackage, divide, or store it in a container without the label. Always follow the directions on the product label.

Take Bids and Review Credentials

Before contracting with a commercial applicator company or private pest control operator, get several bids based on the specific services you require. These firms must be licensed by the appropriate state agency.