1. Do-it-yourself Fire Ant Control
The Two-Step Method
Do-it-yourself Fire Ant Control

2. Fire ants don’t like the Two-Step!
77% of users report better control

3. Step 1: Let them eat bait
Broadcast a fire ant bait over the entire yard
Use a seed spreader to ensure uniform coverage

4. Broadcast bait applications
Advantages
Quick and easy
Among safest fire ant controls
Least expensive method for large areas
Less labor required
Disadvantages
Slow
May affect some other ants

5. Secrets to success with baits
Apply only fresh baits
check date of manufacture
test some first
Apply when rain is not expected
Apply when ants are active

6. When are fire ants active?
When soil surface temperatures are between 70° and 95° F
May - September in most areas
Evenings during hot weather

7. Fire ant bait products
Amdro
Raid
Logic
Combat

8. Amdro® - hydramethynon
Fastest of the baits
Quick control best for small yards where reinfestation is likely
Speed related to dose. Can be used as a mound treatment

9. Raid® /Ascend™ / Advance™ - abamectin
Slow acting nervous system toxin
Requires 8 to 12 weeks for control
Speed related to dose. Can be used as a mound treatment

10. Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)
Do not kill ants
Reproductive ants are born sterile
Halts egg-laying by queen
As workers die, they are not replaced
Control requires 8 to 12 weeks

11. Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)
fenoxycarb (Logic®, Award®)
methoprene (Extinguish™)
pyriproxifen (Distance®)

12. How often should baits be applied?
Every 8 weeks, or as needed
Amdro
Once or twice a year
fenoxycarb (Logic, Award)
methoprene (Extinguish)
pyriproxifen (Distance)

13. Safety
No hazard to children, pets, birds, earthworms when properly applied.
Do not apply baits directly to streams or lakes.
Some products may be toxic to pets in large doses.

14. Step 2: Treat the mounds
Treat problem mounds with an individual mound treatment
Not all mounds need to be treated

15. Individual mount treatments
Disadvantages
More expensive for large areas
More labor intensive
Treatments affect only visible mounds
Advantages
Fast
Insecticides applied only to targeted mound

16. Individual mound treatments
Liquid concentrates and Ready-to-use liquids
Granular insecticides
Dusts
Aerosols
“Organic formulations”

17. Secrets to success with mound treatments
Use 1 to 2 gallons of water per mound when using liquids, granules and some dusts
Do not disturb the mound unnecessarily

18. Tackle fire ants in the Fall!
Make it a neighborhood effort
Baits work well during cool season when ants are less active
Fall applications give better control of ants in the Spring

19. Two Step Summary Step 1: Let them eat bait Step 2: Treat the mounds
Broadcast at 1 to 1½ pounds per acre
Step 2: Treat the mounds
Treat only problem mounds
Sidewalks, house perimeters, high traffic areas

20. For more information, contact your county Extension agent
Request the Two-Step fact sheet, L-5070
On the Internet: