What is the best method of controlling Red Imported Fire Ants?

The most effective method for controlling Red Imported Fire Ants involves a two-step process that combines the use of bait and mound treatment. This approach takes advantage of the ants' foraging behavior and colony structure.

When using bait, it is important to select a slow-acting insecticide that allows the foraging worker ants to take the bait back to the mound, where it can be spread to other members of the colony, including the queen. This method targets the entire colony rather than just the individual ants that are visible.

Once the bait has been applied, mound treatment can then be used to directly target any remaining ants within the nest. This often involves pouring a liquid insecticide onto the mound itself, which can kill any ants that have not been exposed to the bait. This two-step process maximizes the likelihood of effectively eliminating the colony, preventing re-infestation more efficiently than methods that rely solely on one technique.

In contrast, relying only on non-chemical methods may not be effective for complete control, as these methods typically do not address the colony's structure and survival. A single application of chemical insecticide can also fall short, as it may not reach all members of the colony or provide long-lasting effects. Trapping with