Texas Master Gardeners Website
Texas AgriLife Extension Website
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Texas Master Gardeners Website |
Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, Inc. |
Texas AgriLife Extension Website |
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FireantsThe most successful way to eliminate these pests is to follow the recommendations by the Texas AgriLife Extension and use the Texas Two-Step Method. You can view a very informative page on the Texas A&M web site for fire ant control at: http://fireant.tamu.edu/ ( The Texas Two-Step information is available on the right or scroll down the page and click what you would like to see on the Related Links). Dr. Paul Nester, Program Specialist, IPM, of the Houston Metro Area, presents great information about controlling fire ants in our area at http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/fireant/index.htm. Wondering what product to use? Texas A&M presents a listing of recommended baits and contact insecticides at http://fireant.tamu.edu/broadcastbait/ A Fort Bend Community Success Story by Bill Young, Certified Master Gardener, Fall 2004 Class "We are a community of large lots (2-4 acres) in Sugar Land with most of the residents using lawn services. Their previous response to fire ants had been 'putting out the fire" with products like AMDRO over individual mounds. In fact, we were simply killing a handful of surface ants and notifying the survivors to rush deep into the mound and get the queen out of danger, move a few yards away and re-establish. Because this new process is 'total treatment', twice a year, they innocently pick the bait up during their foraging process, take it back and virtually destroy the entire colony or, at least, to send it packing outside the area. When a new, small colony pops up - which will happen occasionally - we simply treat that mound while it is still manageable. Comments from the "lawn" workers in the area are the most significant. One told me that his crew's equipment would previously be 'chocked down' by 'mounds' constantly before we started the program and now they rarely encounter this problem. It's made a real difference and is also much easier and cheaper! Mind you, you will still occasionally see a fire ant, but nothing like before! Incidentally, the best times to treat are April/May and again in Sept/Oct." Bill helped his community overcome a serious issue with fire ants. You, too, can help. Use the Texas Two-Step Method and get your community or sub-division involved. If you need help, please contact Dr. Paul Nestor at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office in Harris County. He may be able to provide you with survey questions for the community, tips and techniques, and other invaluable suggestions. | |
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