Fire ants inflict painful stings and create unsightly mounds in our landscapes. Unfortunately, there is no treatment that will eradicate them from a yard permanently. You will have to control fire ants, as needed, from year to year.
A variety of products and methods can be used to effectively control fire ants. The product chosen is often determined by the situation and the preferences of the individual doing the treatment. When using an insecticide, always read the label very carefully before you purchase it.
Baits: Results are slower but sure
Fire ant baits consist of a pesticide combined with something the ants will eat. The bait is brought back to the colony and fed to other ants, including the queen. It takes some time for this to happen, so baits are a relatively slow way to control fire ants. However, they are very effective because they kill the ant colonies you see and those you don’t see.
Baits may be applied to individual mounds, but it is far more effective to broadcast over an entire yard. Even better than treating one yard, research shows that if neighbors will work together, treating an entire neighborhood increases the effectiveness and duration of control…