5 Steps to Prepare for a Fall Fire Ant Treatment

Managing large outdoor properties comes with its fair share of challenges, and fire ants are among the most persistent. Their mounds can damage equipment, threaten livestock, disrupt crops, and put people at risk. The good news is that with the right strategy and treatment solutions, you can make regular fire ant treatments part of your protocol. Fall is an ideal season to get ahead of fire ants. By preparing now, you can reduce colonies before they begin proliferating in the spring.

Here's how to set yourself up for a successful fall fire ant treatment:

1. Assess Your Property

Before you apply any treatment, take time to survey your land. Identify active mounds, areas with high traffic (livestock paths, equipment storage, crop fields), and spots where fire ants could cause the greatest disruption. Keep in mind that colonies may extend far beyond visible mounds, so a broadcast treatment approach is often more effective than spot treatments alone.

2. Time It Right

Fall treatments are most effective when daytime temperatures fall below 70°F. At this point, ants are actively foraging to store up nutrients for winter. Their increased activity means they're more likely to encounter bait and consume it quickly. Treating during this window ensures maximum product uptake and more effective control.

3. Choose the Right Product

The products you select can make or break your fire ant management plan. Two proven options for fall applications include:

Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait: Ideal for areas where crops are grown, it is powered by an insect growth regulator (IGR), this bait prevents colonies from rebounding by disrupting the queen's ability to reproduce. It's approved for use anywhere fire ants are found, including around people, livestock, and wildlife, making it ideal for large-scale applications.
Extinguish® Plus: This dual-action bait combines an adulticide with an IGR. The adulticide works quickly after ingestion to kill worker ants, while the IGR prevents the queen from producing new workers. This two-pronged approach results in both short and long-term control.

4. Apply Strategically

For best results, apply bait when the ground is dry, and no rain is expected for 24 hours. Early morning or late afternoon applications are ideal, when ants are most active. Avoid disturbing mounds before treatment, as this may cause ants to relocate and reduce bait effectiveness. A broadcast spreader is recommended for covering large properties efficiently.

5. Plan for the Long Term

Fire ant control isn't a one-and-done effort. Incorporating fall treatments into your annual management plan is key to keeping populations in check year-round. By reducing colonies before spring, you'll prevent explosive growth later and protect your land, animals, and equipment from damage. Reassess your property each season and adjust your treatment schedule as needed.

Fire ants are relentless, but with a proactive treatment strategy, you can keep them under control and protect your operation. Products like Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait and Extinguish® Plus give you the tools to eliminate colonies and stop future infestations before they start. Take time this fall to prepare, apply, and plan ahead. It'll pay off when spring arrives!

For more information on our full product line, contact your local ag retailer in your area today.

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