How to Control Red Imported Fire Ants Using Integrated Pest Management: How to Control Red Imported Fire Ants Using Integrated Pest Management A training tutorial for pest management in public schools


Description of Fire Ants: Description of Fire Ants Reddish-brown, 1/8-1/4 inch long Feeds on plant oils, some sweets Inflicts painful sting Can cause death in allergic people Constructs dome-shaped nest using soil UF UF


Distribution of Imported Fire Ants: Distribution of Imported Fire Ants To limit the spread of imported fire ants, a federal quarantine restricts the movement of soil, potted plants, sod, etc. to uninfested areas of the U.S. Any shipments outside the quarantine area requires inspection and certification by proper authorities. JHU


How to Control Fire Ants : How to Control Fire Ants Immediate solution in sensitive area outdoors. Example: playground. Treat fire ant mound with liquid drench: hot boiling water (190-212°F), or pyrethroid insecticide If pesticide drench is used, be sure to restrict access until risk of exposure is removed from treated area.


How to Control Fire Ants - 2: How to Control Fire Ants - 2 Immediate solution in sensitive area indoors. Example: electrical boxes, carpet. Use vacuum cleaner to remove existing ants and notify pest manager. Note specifics of fire ant entrance and provide this information to pest manager. Treatment of infested area should be conducted after hours. Follow up treatment with appropriate crack sealers or caulking.


How to Control Fire Ants - 3: How to Control Fire Ants - 3 Long Term Suppression Mound treatment using granular bait. Always use dry/fresh material. Follow label and sprinkle bait granules around mound. Apply granules when temperatures are between 70° and 90° F. Avoid application during mid-day sun.


How to Control Fire Ants - 4: How to Control Fire Ants - 4 Long Term Suppression (continued) Broadcast Bait Application Granular bait is applied to large areas such as ball fields following label rate. Locating and identifying individual mounds is not necessary. Helps prevent fire ants from establishing and can provide up to one year of control.


Example of Fire Ant Treatment: Example of Fire Ant Treatment Fire ants have infested a hallway. These ants and their debris can be removed using a vacuum. Then, an appropriate treatment can be applied such as a containerized bait station. Ant entry should be inspected and sealed. UF UF


Example of Fire Ant Treatment: Example of Fire Ant Treatment Fire ant nest located outside on a ball field. Any nest located here should be treated immediately. Use of a granular bait is appropriate here. This area should be inspected periodically throughout the year.


Acknowledgements: Acknowledgements Authors: Clay W. Scherer and Philip G. Koehler University Of Florida Photos: University of Florida U.S. Map: Ray Sterner Johns Hopkins University This is one of several presentations available at the School IPM World Wide Web Site http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/ Entomology And Nematology Department Copyright University of Florida 1999