Act Now to Prevent Fire Ants and Set the Stage for Spring

When temperatures start to cool in the early to mid-fall, fire ant activity may appear to slow down. But that doesn't mean the colonies are gone. In fact, fall is one of the most effective times of year to treat for fire ants. Strategic applications now can help suppress fire ant colonies through the winter and significantly reduce spring populations.

As temperatures drop, fire ants move deeper underground. The queen continues to reproduce, preparing the colony to surge when warmer weather returns. Treating in fall targets the colony before it rebounds, stopping reproduction, weakening worker numbers, and setting you up for easier control in spring.

Key advantages of treatment include:

Targeting active colonies before dormancy
Reducing overwintering populations that would otherwise expand in spring
Establishing long-term control

Choose the Right Bait for Your Operation

Both Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait and Extinguish® Plus Fire Ant Bait are designed for long-term, proactive fire ant control, but each has a specific role to play depending on your goals.

Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait: Ideal for long-term population management, Extinguish® fire ant bait uses an insect growth regulator (IGR) to disrupt colony development and sterilize the queen. It's ideal for preventive fall applications when ants are still foraging.

Works gradually, thorough colony elimination
Approved for use in pastures, rangeland, nurseries, and anywhere else fire ants are found
Provides long-lasting colony suppression through winter

Extinguish® Plus Fire Ant Bait: Combines an IGR with an adulticide to both kill foraging workers and prevent new generations from emerging. This dual-action formulation delivers control now and sustained protection into spring.

Two-way action: knockdown + long-term colony suppression
Broad label for use on lawns, turf, and agricultural settings around non-bearing trees
Excellent choice for areas with heavy or recurring infestations

Application Tips

Apply when ants are still active, typically above 60°F.
Broadcast baits evenly across infested areas rather than spot-treating mounds.
Avoid applying right before rainfall to ensure ants can collect and distribute the bait effectively.
Monitor in spring and reapply as needed to maintain population suppression.

Treating fire ants in the fall doesn't just solve a seasonal problem; it's a proactive investment in a more manageable spring. Whether you choose Extinguish® fire ant bait for steady, long-term control or Extinguish® Plus for faster results, acting now helps protect your property year-round.

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

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