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The red imported fire ant is a $6 billion problem in the United States. These pests sting people and animals, short-circuit appliances and even disable traffic lights.
Imported fire ants first arrived here in 1918 at the port of Mobile, Ala., as stowaways on a ship from South America. Today, these invaders infest 320 million acres in 14 states, from North Carolina to California.
Scientists believe the recent hurricanes and floods have exacerbated the outbreak of the fire ant. When flood waters rose, the ants were forced out of their underground nests. They floated in masses on top of the water, spreading to new areas.
Beyond being a nuisance, fire ants pose a medical threat - especially to children, the elderly, small pets and livestock. The aggressive ants swarm over their prey, stinging repeatedly. Some 500,000 people in the United States are at greater risk because they are allergic to the ants' venom.
Indoxacarb, a new class of insecticide chemistry, provides a novel mode of action for fire ant management. Indoxacarb delivers 100 percent control of queen and colony and can be used without worry around children and pets (they can re-enter treated areas immediately after application, assuming they stay clear of any threatening fire ant mounds).
As the hurricane cleanup across the South continues, and others living in areas with fire ants begin spring cleaning, homeowners should be prepared and take action against this pest. Here are a few dos and don'ts:
* Don't use gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, bleach or other "home remedies" to combat fire ants. These products are generally ineffective, can cause serious damage to lawns, are harmful to the environment and are a safety hazard.
* Do consider a broadcast treatment like Spectracide Once & Done Fire Ant Killer. With active ingredient Indoxacarb, this new product eliminates existing colonies and prevents fire ants all season long. Foraging worker ants carry the bait back to the colony and within 48 hours, the entire colony and queen are dead.
* Don't disturb the mound. When applying a mound-specific treatment, apply gently to avoid disturbing colonies.
* Do follow label instructions on all pesticide products. Many products that target fire ants have important information on them regarding the timing of treatment, which is critical for achieving satisfactory results.
* Don't apply baits when it is too hot or cold, or if rain is expected within four to six hours. Apply broadcast treatment in the morning or late evening, when ants are actively foraging.
* Do treat the entire yard.
* Don't water or mow the treated area for 24 hours after application. - NU
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