WINSTON COUNTY - Gardeners preparing summer vegetable gardens may find their plots already teeming with life, but not the kind they would like to see. Fire ants are common in yards, flowerbeds, playgrounds and gardens throughout Alabama.
Kelly Palmer, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System livestock and forages regional agent, said there are many common misconceptions when it comes to controlling fire ant populations in the backyard or garden.
“This time of year, as homeowners get out in their flowerbeds or yards to begin preparations for planting, they may find several fire ant colonies have moved in over the winter,” Palmer said. “It is important to remember that most home remedies do not control fire ant populations.”
While the Internet is riddled with home remedies, such as grits, club soda, molasses, boiling water, gasoline, diesel fuel or mixing mounds together, these do not provide effective control. The tried-and-true application of fire ant bait—by the label recommendations—is most effective.
“Part of the allure to home remedies is that all of the suggestions are cheap, easy to access and include products we are comfortable using,” she said. “However, they will leave the user ultimately feeling frustrated as they will not provide actual colony control.”
Using baits ensures true colony control. “Bait products are extremely safe for homeowners to use,” Palmer said. “They contain very little (of the) active ingredient (insecticide), are put out at low rates and leave no residuals. This makes them a great choice in areas where children and pets play.”
Choosing a
Bait Product
There are many bait products on the market. All have label uses for different situations—whether those are lawns, gardens or pastures. This can make it overwhelming when trying to decide on which product to buy.
Palmer said there is no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to choosing a bait product. Bait selection varies greatly depending on the person's needs.
Palmer said homeowners should answer the following questions:
• How fast do you need control?
• Where do you need control?
• How much are you willing to spend?
Once these questions are answered, contact your county Extension office. Agents there will be able to recommend products to meet individual needs and work toward a summer free of fire ants.
For specific fire ant control information, email Palmer at ridleka@aces. edu or visit www.aces.edu.
See complete story in the Northwest Alabamian.
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