FA-APR-03

April 21, 2000
AVAILABILITY OF FIRE ANT BAIT PRODUCTS
Contact: Scott A. Russell, (214) 904-3050, sarussell@tamu.edu

DALLAS- Most bait products may be broadcast or used as an individual mound treatments. This is a simplified list of common fire ant bait products and outlets where they can be purchased. Read the label and follow label instructions for the product you choose to use. Not all products will be available at all outlets. Not all products will be labeled for your particular situation. Other sources may be located by looking in the yellow pages of your phone directory under the heading "Pest Control Supplies".

Secretes to success with bait formulated products:

• Use fresh material, it will smell sweet or like cornmeal. Shake the container well prior to application to consistently distribute the bait and active ingredient.

• For individual mound treatments, spread appropriate amount (as noted on the label) around the mound's base.

• For broadcast application use a hand-held seed spreader, or other appropriate device, and follow label directions.

• Apply when fire ants are actively collecting food. Place a small bit of hot dog or potato chip 3-5 feet from a known mound, if within 30 minutes it is covered with ants, then you know they are active.

• Use care not to disturb the mounds as this sends an alarm throughout the colony and the ants will collect little or no food for some time.

• Apply baits only when no rain is expected for at least eight hours.

• Be Patient... baits are slow acting.