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Insect Management
Red Imported Fire Ants
Frequently Asked Questions
I have seen advertisements about using nematodes to control
fire ants -- does it work??
Yes, and no.... Studies conducted in Florida found 10-20% control
can be obtained. The studies found that the when fire ant colonies (mounds) are
treated with nematodes, the colonies simply move and abandon the treated mound.
10-20% control generally isn't sufficient for most people trying to control fire
ants and thus it may not be worth the effort.
Why do fire ants sting all at once if you have more than one
ant stinging??
Fire ants have a complex system of communication in which they use numerous
types of signals. The signals can be chemical, visual, & vibrational.
Entomologists and chemical ecologists have found for example that when a fire
ant dies it emits an death pheromone that causes live ants to pick it up and
carry it out of the colony tunnels. There are recognition pheromones, and trail
pheromones which are also used by fire ants. Trail pheromones are used by other
ant's to locate food.
To date, entomologists haven't found out exactly what cue the ants use
to sting "all at once", but they believe it is one of their communication
signals. If you have the opportunity - check out the Spring 1997 issue of
American Entomologist - a relly good science-based article about the red
imported fire ant.
I put out bait and it didn't work?
There are several things you need to know about baits and they are as
follows:
- Baits are less effective in areas with abundant food sources, such
as: dumpsters, chicken houses, pet's feeding dishes, trash cans, etc.
- The bait used was stale -- once the container is opened the bait needs
to be used within 6 months to 1 year --- if not it becomes stale and
unattractive to the ants
- Contact insecticide applied some time prior to treatment,
suppressing foraging activity
- Baits should be used around building foundations, driveways, curbs,
sidewalks, and other areas in which contact insecticides cannot
penetrate. (Placement of 1 Tablespoon (TBSP) per 15 feet is
equivalent to 1 1/2 pounds broadcast.)
- Baits are most effective when temperatures are above 70F. IF daytime
temperatures are in the 90's a nighttime application may be more
effective. IF temperatures are questionable, place a same amount of bait
or other food (potato chips) close to a mound. Ants will start to carry
off the food within 15 minutes if conditions are favorable.
- Do not use baits on wet surfaces such as grass with dew. This will
make the bait less desirable to the ants - remember the ants perceive
the baits as a potential food source.
- Broadcasting baits is normally more effective in reducing fire ant
populations than mound treatments.
- Broadcasting baits is more economical and less labor intensive than
mound treatments in areas with more than 40 mounds per acre.
- Although most baits control mainly big headed ants such as fire
ants, mound treatments with baits is probably least damaging to the
native ant populations since it is site specific and there will be no
ants other than fire ants foraging near a fire ant mound.
| Treatments using a broadcast bait application is discouraged in
areas with less than 20 mounds /acre based on concerns for
non-target ants. A retreatment threshold of 20-30 mounds /acre |
Will RIFA develop resistance to the bait?
Resistance to the insecticides is not expected due to RIFA's long
reproductive cycle. However, behavioral resistance, i.e. avoidance of
bait-formulated products is a concern.
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Fire Ant |
