Fire Ants came from South America in the 1930s and made themselves right at home. Fire ants infest most of the southeastern United States. If you are new to the area it takes only seconds to be introduced to them. After that, they are close to the most hated critter on the planet. Then, all of a sudden you have a quest to kill all the fire ants that you see. However, killing them can be rewarding and frustrating all at the same time. There are tons of home remedies to fight fire ants but try to stick to the ones that have some science behind them. Remember that this is a process, not an event.
Tools to kill fire ants include baits and contact killers that are both synthetic and all-natural. Also included is a biological called a beneficial nematode. I have used them all and found baits “Come n Get It” and “Amdro” to be the most effective. We’ve also got a bait called Over N Out that has good results. Please read and follow the label directions. I would add that if you disturb the mound with a tool (not your foot, hand, elbow, etc.) before the application you will get a better kill. Contact killers such as Acephate (white stinky powder), Diatomaceous Earth, Boric acid and orange oil work better after the mound has been disturbed. I have found beneficial nematode to be a better preventative than curative. But it is a lot of fun to tell a friend that you have millions of microscopic roundworms that parasitize and kill insects in the refrigerator. All of these products including Knock Out Nematodes are available at Wells Brothers.
It’s about this time when folks ask “what about dried molasses?” Well, there is a bunch of information on the web about dried molasses killing and or displacing ants, including fire ants. The following Texas A&M University fire ant study looks at molasses on page 64.
There is an infinite amount of information on the web concerning dried molasses and ants. Look at the research carefully and make an informed decision.
The whales, baby seals, owls, and almost every other living thing has its own support group. I, however, do not belong to any of these groups. As of late, this has started to trouble me. My thought is to start a support group for the fire ant. Follow the link for the good fire ants.
