How Fire Ant Control Works

When you see their mounds rising in your yard, you’ve probably wondered how fire ant control works. Fire Ant Specialists can explain the concept and offer you success in eradicating these invasive creatures.

Fire Ant Specialists’ extensive experience enables us to solve your fire ant troubles no matter what kind of property you have. If our service does not work within the timeframe specified to you at the time of application, we will spot-treat the area of infestation at no charge.

Three Main Methods

When it comes to controlling red imported fire ants, Fire Ant Specialists has the experience and expertise necessary to assist you in their elimination. But it’s essential for you to understand that there are three main methods used when trying to control a fire ant population. 

These methods are: 

• Mound Treatments
• Broadcast Insecticides
• Granular Baits

Each method has pros and cons, but one stands out. 

Mound Treatments

Mound treatments are great for quick elimination of mounds as they pop up. These come in a liquid or dry form and are effective at ending a mound that makes an appearance where you don’t want it. 

But they are only useful at the mound location, not for everything underground. So, while the treated, larger mounds might disappear, all the underground work will push the ants to make their small mounds larger elsewhere on your property.

Essentially, this is a temporary solution to a far greater issue.

Broadcast Insecticides

Broadcast insecticides look a lot like granular bait, but they don’t have any attractants added that would make them “bait.” This method is frequently used by homeowners seeking some DIY assistance. Broadcast insecticides are often mistaken for bait, and that’s why it’s important to know the difference.

This method provides a long-lasting insecticide that kills the ants on contact, which most people think is great. However, the insecticide stays in the dirt and is not brought back to the queen. Killing the workers can slow food recovery, but the queen will remain busy making more workers.

Essentially, it will appear to be effective, but this will be short-lived.

Granular Baits

Granular baits are typically the most effective. This is because they attract the ants which then bring the bait back into the colony, sterilizing the queen and ending reproduction.

Baits contain slow-acting growth disruptors and insecticides. This allows them to spread throughout the colony, as the workers bring the granules deep inside thinking they are a food source. Everyone eats, and everyone is impacted. No more ants being produced by the queen means the colony dies.

At Fire Ant Specialists, we use high-quality granular bait. Our treatments offer a 95% success rate when applied three times a year, which is exceptional since most granular baits only offer an 80% success rate. 

If you want those fire ants gone, you know how fire ant control works. You can also call Fire Ant Specialists at 352-291-2687 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) for a free estimate. Commercial or residential, we’ve got you covered! Contact us here today.