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Safely Eliminate Fire Ants
- Use baits and treat individual mounds -
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Summary: Fire ants can be controlled with a combination of toxic baits and individual mound treatment. Apply baits in the spring or fall and treat mounds that are close to human activity with contact insecticide.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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 Fire ants are dangerous insects and should not be allowed to remain around homes or play areas. These insects have an extremely potent sting and a tendancy to swarm at the least disturbance. See the main fire ant article for information about their life history.
The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) occurs mainly in the southeastern US from North Carolina to east Texas. Isolated colonies have been found in southern California as well (see map below). Fire ants are generally considered to be "tropical insects" in that they are limited to areas where the soil does not freeze and there is adequate rainfall.
Fire ants construct large (up to 18" high) mounds in fields, pastures, lawns, and along roads (right). Mounds may contain thousands of ants. The presence of mounds is the best indication that fire ants are in the area. Do not attempt to collect ants for identification. Control of fire ants is usually a two step process - baiting and individual mound treatment.
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| Fire ant mounds in a pasture. Photo by USDA/APHIS/PPQ Archives |
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Bait or conventional insecticide?
Fire ant baits look and smell like corn meal and have an oily texture. Conventional insecticides, even those marketed as "baits", will be grey or brown in color with either no odor, or a chemical odor.
True baits should be your first choice for long-term fire ant control. Baits can be broadcast with either a hand-operated spreader, or a push-type fertilizer spreader for very large areas. Treat infested areas in fall and/or spring when worker ants are active and there is no rain anticipated for at least 8 hours. Test for worker ant activity by carefully placing a small piece of hot dog (frankfurter) next to a mound. If ants are active they will begin feeding within 30 minutes. Always follow bait package instructions carefully regarding rates and timing.
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Common bait products (active ingredient) are Ascend (abamectin), Award (fenoxycarb), Ceasefire (fipronil), Amdro (hydramethylnon), Extinguish (methoprene), Distance (pyriproxyfen), and others. All will give good control if used properly.
What about conventional insecticides?
There are a number of conventional, contact insecticides labeled for fire ants as well. Over 'N Out (active ingredient fipronil) is reported to give extremely long residual control. If you decide to go with a conventional insecticide Over 'N Out would be the best choice. Again, follow package instructions carefully for optimum control.
Next, treat individual mounds
Baits can take weeks to months to be completely effective so mounds near homes or play areas should be treated with a faster acting method to remove this threat. There is no need to individually treat all mounds only those that pose an immediate threat.
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Either of these low toxicity insecticides can be used to safely treat fire ant mounds. Be sure to check the label.
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Mounds can be treated with granular or liquid insecticides (right, above). Check labels to determine if a product is registered for fire ant mound treatment. Common active ingredients are acephate, carbaryl, cyfluthrin, d-limonene, deltamethrin, and permethrin.
Be sure to carefully follow package instructions regarding rate and application. Do not over apply any insecticide.
The Pest Management Store
Identification guides, reference and gardening books, etc.
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