Fire ant control can wear you out this time of year. It seems like every good spring or summer rain brings out a fresh round of mounds across the yard, pasture, flower beds, and garden areas.
Over the years, I’ve tried quite a few different approaches. Some work better than others, and some only seem to slow the ants down for a little while before the mound comes right back.
Products like Amdro and Surrender can help somewhat, but in my experience they don’t always seem to completely eliminate the mound.
For a long time, one of the things I used was an orange oil drench. I would mix about 2 ounces of orange oil per gallon of water and pour it directly into the mound. It helped, especially for smaller mounds. Beneficial nematodes can also help in some situations, particularly if you are trying to avoid harsher chemicals around gardens and flower beds.
But one of the biggest frustrations with fire ants is not always the visible mound. Sometimes you’re out pulling weeds, watering, or working in the flower bed and suddenly realize you’re covered in ants before you ever see where they came from.
That’s why I’m always looking for better long-term options.
Recently, I ran across a product that has worked surprisingly well for me. Those of you who know me know that I don’t like recommending products unless I’ve used them myself and feel confident they actually work.
This is one of those products.
Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait. What I like about it is how simple it is to use. Instead of putting it directly on top of the mound, you lightly sprinkle a small amount around the edge. The ants find the bait, carry it back to the queen, and the mound begins to collapse from the inside out.
In many cases, I’ve seen mounds completely dead within 24 to 48 hours.
I’ve also started lightly sprinkling it around flower beds and garden areas where ants tend to show up unexpectedly. I am using this product and I am very satisfied with the results so far.
A Few More Things To Help With Fire Ant Control
Fire ants are persistent, so no single approach works perfectly in every situation. A combination of prevention and targeted treatment usually works best.
A few things that can help:
- Treat mounds early before they spread
- Recheck problem areas after heavy rain
- Use baits around the mound instead of directly on top
- Watch garden beds and landscaped areas closely
- Consider beneficial nematodes for sensitive areas
The biggest thing is staying ahead of them before the population gets out of hand.
Finding What Works for Your Property
Every property is a little different. Some yards seem to attract more ants than others, especially during wet summers.
If you’re dealing with fire ants around your home, pasture, or garden, reach out to us or stop by and talk with us. We’re always happy to help you figure out what products and approaches make the most sense for your setup.
Article Source: Mike Johnson – Owner Johnson Feed
