Fire ants, hailing from South America, found their way to the southeastern regions of the United States back in the 1930s, where they fast became an unwelcome guest. For newcomers, an unpleasant encounter with these pests can happen within moments, leading to a widespread animosity that’s hard-pressed to find its equal. While countless folk remedies promise solutions, it’s wise to follow scientifically backed methods to manage these invasive insects. Eradication of fire ants is a continual battle rather than a one-time event.
A variety of treatments are available for those seeking to exterminate fire ants, including baits and contact insecticides that range from artificial to wholly organic. Additionally, a type of biological control uses beneficial nematodes. In my experience, baits such as “Come n Get It” and “Amdro” are remarkably potent. Adherence to the label’s directions is crucial. An additional tip for improved effectiveness is to gently agitate the ant mound with an instrument (never using your body) before applying the treatment. Contact insecticides like Surrender (a white, odorous powder containing Acephate), Diatomaceous earth, Boric acid, and orange oil, tend to work best when the mound has been previously disturbed. While I’ve observed beneficial nematodes to function more efficiently as a preventive measure, they make for an intriguing conversation piece when you inform others of the millions of insect-parasitizing micro-worms stored in your fridge.
After a heavy rainfall, mound drenches prove to be extremely effective. The heightened groundwater levels compel the ants towards the surface of the mound to avoid drowning, making orange oil a particularly effective remedy when used then. Orange oil is conveniently attainable in various sizes, from pints to gallons.
Beneficial nematodes are adept at killing fire ants and generally excel in prevention rather than direct treatment. Informing friends of the billions of microscopic segmented worms in your refrigerator that parasitize and kill insects is still as entertaining as ever.
One should not overlook breaker boxes of outdoor A/C units, as fire ants are prone to nesting there. Preventative measures are undoubtedly more cost-effective than addressing the aftermath. This is where insecticidal ear tags designed for cattle come into play—placing a single tag inside the breaker box can offer protection throughout the season.
When the conversation turns to dried molasses—an alleged deterrent for ants, including fire ants—it’s vital to scrutinize the information available online and draw conclusions from well-conducted research.
For the latest findings on fire ant management, Texas A&M continues to be a dependable resource for Texas A&M Fire Ant Research.
For further education on fire ant origination, additional resources are available here.
Looking to combat fire ants? Wells Brothers provides an assortment of fire ant solutions:
- Come & Get It
- Amdro
- Over n Out
- Surrender
- Orange Oil
- Diatomaceous Earth
- Boric Acid
- Beneficial Nematodes
- Knock Out Nematodes
- Dried Molasses
Explore these options and find what works best for maintaining a fire ant-free environment.