Fire ants infestations are annoying at best in home and garden, and at their worst, have a painful sting. Besides being a nuisance, they can also cause direct damage to some vegetables such as okra or potatoes. Moreover they sometimes damage tender seedlings and younger trees by chewing on the stems.
If you identify that you have fire ants in your property, it's important to get rid of them. Whether you're a homeowner, a lawn care professional, or a golf course manager, we'll walk you through the products that you won't go wrong with. Each type of these fire ant killers takes a different approach to deal with the fire ant population. All you have to do is to follow the product instructions.
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1.Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer
Area of Use: Lawns, trees, shrubs, & flowers
This is the most effective fire ant killer that destroys the entire mound and kills the queen. It is so easy to use. You simply sprinkle it on the mound just like when adding salt to the food, but you don't have to stir the mound. This treatment is specifically labelled for outdoor use, and it doesn't hurt the grass. You can also apply it in tricky areas such as driveway cracks.
2. Monterey Garden Insect Spray
Area of Use: Vegetables, greenhouse, ornaments, landscapes, lawns, permanent pastures, and around crops
Dealing with fire ants specifically in edible gardens is so tricky. A variety of fire ant killers available in the market contains chemicals which are not safe to use near edible plants. Fortunately, this formula is safe and effective to combat fire ants in vegetable gardens.
It contains an organic ingredient called spinosad which is derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium. This product can be used around humans and pets. Additionally, it doesn't only get rid of fire ants, but it can also be used to control many insects such as trips, leafminers, borers, etc.
3. AMDRO Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules
Area of Use: Around the outside perimeter of the building, ornamental gardens, landscaped areas, & lawn
This ant bait is formulated to attract ants. It doesn't only get rid of fire ants but it also works against different species of ants, which is an additional benefit. All you need to do is to spread it as directed depending on whether you're treating around the building, individual mounds, etc.
After applying this ant killer, you'll immediately see the ants taking the granules inside the mound to feed the queen and workers, thereby wiping out the whole colony. With the Amdro ant killer, you'll never hire an exterminator to treat ants on your property.
Note: AMDRO is not recommended to use on vegetables as well as other food crops
4. Ortho Fire Ant Killer Broadcast Granules
Area of Use: Lawns
If you've ever been bitten by a fire ant while laying on the lawn you know the pain and suffering you endure. This ant killer is a great product to kill these fire ants plagued in your beautiful yard. It is so easy to use and kills fire ants quickly. You just apply granules according to the label application rates with a broadcast or drop spreader (depending on the size of your area)
5. Orange Guard Home Pest Control
Area of Use: Indoors & Outdoors
Orange Guard home pest control is another eco-friendly product that is safe for use around humans and pets. It is effective in killing fire ants both indoors and outdoors. It's also a multi-purpose formula which combats different types of insects such as roaches, fleas, and more. It contains an ingredient called D-Limonene derived from the citrus peel. This extract kills targeted small insects on contact by means of suffocation
Note: The gallon container doesn't come with a spray nozzle so you will need to get a sprayer attachment to use it easily or refill on to another spray bottle if you have one.
6. Advion Fire Ant Bait
Area of Use: Lawn, around buildings, recreational areas, golf courses, and noncrop or non grazed areas
Fire ants can be a problem anywhere including in recreational areas and golf courses. They're even mentioned as a dangerous animal condition in the Rules of Golf (Rule.2). Fortunately, Advion fire ant bait can effectively control these pests. This product works quickly and provides complete control. It can either be broadcast or applied as mound treatments. After the application, the fire ants will take bait inside the mound where it will control the whole colony.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Should I Do If I Get Stung By A Fire Ant?
Apply a cold compress against the affected area for about 10 minutes to help reduce the swelling (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off). You can also use hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to relieve the itchiness.
2. Does Boiling Water Kill Fire Ants?
According to multiple sources, "pouring two or three gallons of boiling water on fire ants mound is estimated to kill 60% of them." Even though this strategy may work, I think hot water might end up damaging the plants. Therefore you need to be extra careful about where you're using this method.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USING PESTICIDES
•Select the right pesticide for the job
•Read the label thoroughly before using a pesticide.
•Never use food containers for mixing, measuring, and applying pesticides.
•Use appropriate safety equipment such as rubber gloves, rubber boots, long sleeved shirts as well as long pants.
•Mix according to the recommended rate from the manufacturer and use the amount as directed.
•Wash your gloves with soap and running water before removing them. This will protect your hands from contacting any pesticide residue left on the gloves.
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