Accidentally imported in the 1930s, red fire ants have become one of the most abundant and problematic species of ants. They are found throughout most of the United States now, including Texas. This ant species nests in turf grass, and they often appear in lawns. Most ants will not damage turf grass, but the nests can be unsightly. With fire ants, there is the added disadvantage of painful stings.
Identifying Fire Ants
Even with the best lawn maintenance, there is still a chance fire ants might set up a colony in your lawn. If that happens, you will notice a fluffy mound of soil. Unlike most ant hills, fire ant mounds do not have a central opening. When the mound is disturbed, tiny ants 1/8” to 1/4” long will crawl out. They can climb up vertical surfaces, unlike most native species. Try to avoid contact with fire ants – the stings can be painful for several days. Typically, the sting will swell into a small pustule. A small percentage of the population is allergic to fire ant stings and should seek medical assistance if more serious symptoms develop.
DIY Ant Control
When trying to manage fire ants in your lawn, there are two main options. Chemical controls in the form of insecticides and ant baits are often effective. If you do not want to use pesticides, there are natural controls that may work as well.
Chemical Controls
Individual mounds can be treated with several different types of insecticides. Granules, dusts, liquid drenches, and ant baits should be applied to the mound according to label directions and using appropriate lawn equipment. It is often recommended that the insecticide contain bifenthrin.
For a large-scale problem, you will probably have to treat the entire lawn. This is done by broadcasting ant bait in the areas where fire ants are present. They will pick up the poisoned bait and carry it back to the mound. 2-3 days after spreading bait, apply a contact insecticide to your turf grass approximately. After the first treatment, reapply every 4-8 weeks or when you notice ant activity. Be sure to read label directions carefully. If applied incorrectly, insecticides can harm people, pets, and beneficial insects.
Natural Controls
Organic ant control is a debated approach. Some homeowners report success with these methods, while others argue that natural controls only prompt ants to move on instead of killing them. One very simple method involves pouring boiling water down the anthill. Many sources also report success from applying a mixture of orange oil along with the boiling water. Another method involves digging up the ant mound and putting it in a bucket, then drowning the ants with water and dish soap.
Fire ants are one of the most annoying lawn pests. Not only do they build unsightly mounds in your yard, but their stings are painful and can be dangerous, especially if you have children playing in your lawn. Though they can be hard to eradicate, controlling fire ants in your yard is possible using chemical and natural controls, or a combination of the two.
