Antagonized

Antagonized?

Don't poison your water to kill fire ants.
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It's time to fight the little red devils

People will do just about anything to get rid of fire ants, including treating the mounds with too many chemicals that can do more harm than good. Improper treatment can result in ant colonies relocating (instead of dying out). Excessive chemicals can harm water quality, killing plants and animals in our creeks, lakes and the Trinity River.

An effective and proven method to control fire ants, using products with low toxicity, has been developed by researchers at the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. The Two-Step Method is a simple approach that can effectively control fire ants in heavily infested areas if the treatment is done once or twice a year.

The Two-Step Method is most effective when everyone treats at the same time. The City of Dallas is joining other Metroplex cities to encourage treatment using the Two-Step Method during the month of September. By working together, your efforts will be more successful in preventing fire ants from migrating from one home to another.

The City of Dallas assumes no responsibility and disclaims any injury or damage resulting from the use or effect of any product or information included in this brochure or on this website.

The Two-Step Method

Step 1: Broadcast a Bait

Spread a fire ant bait over the entire yard.

Use a hand-held seeder set at the smallest opening size.

Walk over your yard at a normal pace, cranking the seeder handle as you go.

Note: Baits work slowly. It may take 5 to 10 weeks, depending on the product, for maximum control.

Product advantages:

Baits: low toxicity; treats mounds not yet visible above ground; treats large areas efficiently; offers greater long-term control; ants carry bait into the mound and share with others; more likely to reach the queen; and product is relatively inexpensive.

Step 2: Treat Individual Mounds

Apply 3 days after baits are applied.

Treat individual problem mounds with an approved mound drench, granule or dust insecticide.

Treat only mounds that are causing an immediate problem, such as those against a building foundation, near electrical equipment or in a play area.

Product Advantages:

Dusts: no water needed; fast acting.

Liquid Drenches (includes permethrin and pyrethrins): no mixing required; little surface residue after application; relatively fast acting.

Granular: no mixing required; little surface residue after application; relatively fast acting.

Injectables (pyrethrins): fast acting; little surface residue after application.

Non-Chemical (boiling water, shoveling): Less danger to the environment and living things, but not very effective at killing the queen ant.

Important Points:

Never apply baits or individual mound treatments if it is raining or if rain is forecast in the next 24 hours.

Always wear the protective equipment recommended by the product label directions.

Follow the label directions for disposing of any leftover product or empty containers. Never pour leftovers down a storm drain or indoor (wastewater) drain. See pack panel for proper disposal directions.

Do not use more than the amount indicated by the directions on the product label.

Dispose of Leftover Pesticides Properly

Share your leftovers with a neighbor, church or other organization that can benefit from your generosity.

Dallas residents now have two safe options for disposing of household hazardous waste. Dallas residents may take their was to a permanent collection facility, located near downtown, by calling (214) 630-9160 for an appointment. Waste may also be disposed of at any of several Dallas County collection day events. Call (214) 904-3017 to find out when the next collection event will be held near you.

Do not dispose of pesticides and other toxic chemicals in your regular trash.

Other Helpful Information Resources:

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (1-800-64-TEXAS)

State environmental authority offering good information about pesticide/fertilizer usage, composting, household hazardous waste disposal and recycling.

Texas Agricultural Extension Service for Dallas County (214-231-5362)

This agency offers a wealth of information about landscaping, mulching, composting, safe pest control, fertilization and much more. More detailed information about fire ant treatment is also available by request (The Two-Step Method: Do-It-Yourself Fire Ant Control, publication L-5070.)

Special thanks to:

The City of Fort Worth

Texas Agricultural Extension Service

Report illicit discharges and water polluters!

Storm Water Quality Hotline 670-5000

Special thanks to these information resources:

The City of Austin
The City of Fort Worth
Texas Agricultural Extension Service
City of Dallas

Public Works and Transportation Department
Storm Water Quality Division
2721 Municipal Street, Room 12
Dallas, Texas 75215
214/670-5000

Publication No. 96/97-63
8/97
Updated 1/99

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