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Insect Management--Red Imported Fire Ants--Management Options (Continued from De

Insect Management—Red Imported Fire Ants—Management Options ( Continued from December Issue) Based on insect control technologies that are available today, there is a general agreement that eradicating (killing all RIFA) is NOT possible. The ants rapid reproduction, the large areas infested, and difficulty in treating ALL mounds make the red imported fire ant impossible to eliminate. The Goal of any Management Practice Should be to Minimuze the Impact of RIFA on People and Property.
Personal Perception of the Red Imported Fire Ants
An individual's perspective of the red imported fire ant impacts his/her decision on whether or not to control this pest. It also impacts the methods of control selected.
Residents in Mobile, Alabama have been living with the red imported fire ant for over 50 years. They have educated themselves on the effective control measures available and have learned to live with the ant's presence. However, in other states that have only recently become infested by the ant, people only have the recollection of the eradication programs in place during the 60's and 70's. The arrival of this pest is perceived equal to a swarm of locust. Reports of individuals using gasoline, instant grits, and detergent are common occurrences. EDUCATION is the key to helping people choose effective controls. As people become more educated about fire ants, often their perceptions change, and the control measures they select change also.
The No Control option for the red imported fire ant
Many people choose not to control fire ants. Cost of the controls available is the primary factor, however, it may also be a lack of commitment to a control program. Once a control plan is implemented --- it must be continued. If a control program is initiated, but not continued, often fire ant numbers will increase. Most of the control products available do not remain in the environment for a long period of time. Therefore, if controls aren't used periodically the area will just be reinfested with fire ants. "New" colonies can be started by "new" queens from March to October -- weather conditions and other biological factors are involved. Remember, there is no one time, one shot method of controlling this pest.
Biological Control
Over 30 species of natural fire ant enemies have been identified in RIFA's native home in South America. Interest in the use of natural enemies of the red imported fire ant has increased throughout the years RIFA has been present in the United States.
Phorid Flies
The genus Pseudacteon has 18 species of flies that parasitize RIFA. Currently there is research being done on individual species in Florida and Texas. They are showing a great deal of promise in that they are species specific, and broadly distributed in various environments. Their presence alone has been found to impact the behavior of RIFA.
Visit L. E. Gilbert's Lab for additional information
Homeowner
Non-chemical
A non-chemical control available to everyone, but perhaps more suited for the homeowner is the use of hot water. Research has found that approximately 2 -3 gallons of hot water will eliminate 6 out of every 10 mounds. The time in which you use this treatment option is extremely important --- in that you want to maximize the number of ants killed by the hot water. Therefore, using this treatment option on a cool, sunny morning would be more effective in that the brood, the queen, and worker ants would be up in the mound where the soil is warmer.
Remember insects are greatly influenced by temperature. Fire ants have been found to be most active when temperatures are between 65 F and 95 F.
Care in transporting the hot material to the mound is the most hazardous aspect of using this control option.
Chemical
Program 1 - The two-step method
Step 1. an annual or semi-annual broadcast of a bait insecticide such as Amdro (hydramethylon), Combat (hydramethylon), Logic (fenoxycarb), or Raid (abamectin)
Remember insects are greatly influenced by temperature. Fire ants have been found to be most active when temperatures are between 65 F and 95 F. Therefore, putting the bait material out when the temperatures are between 65 F and 95 F will be more effective.
Step 2. treatment of individual mounds using a contact insecticide such as Orthene (acephate), Dursban (chloropyrifos), Ortho Ant Stop (acephate), DeltaDust (deltamethrin)
Using this treatment option on a cool, sunny morning would be more effective in that the brood, the queen, and worker ants would be up in the mound where the soil is warmer.
Program 2 - Individual Mound Treatment using a bait or contact insecticide on a mound to mound basis as the mounds appear. (same materials and mentioned above)
Remember to always read and follow the label instructions of any pesticide you are planning to use
Source: www.aragriculture.org