Ask the Expert: How to Control Fire Ants Before Spring

When temperatures drop, many assume fire ants die off until spring. But under the surface, colonies remain active, waiting for warmer weather to return. Understanding how fire ants survive and how to treat them effectively can make a big difference in managing future infestations.

Below, we sat down with our resident fire ant control expert Rodney Morrow to ask common questions about fire ant behavior and control.

Q: Do fire ants die off in the winter?

Not at all. Fire ants simply move deeper underground when temperatures cool. While surface activity slows, colonies remain alive and functioning, feeding on stored resources and protecting the queen until conditions improve. If left untreated, they’ll quickly rebound once warm weather returns.

Q: What makes fire ants so resilient?

Several traits allow fire ants to thrive, even in challenging environments:

Fire ants operate with efficiency and aggression. Disturb a mound, and thousands of workers will swarm out to defend it, delivering painful stings.
They nest almost anywhere: lawns, pastures, roadside areas, even under structures. During floods, colonies can form floating rafts, relocating to new sites once waters recede.
A single queen can lay thousands of eggs each day, leading to explosive population growth if unchecked.

Q: Why is it important to treat fire ants even when they’re not visible?

Colonies remain active below the surface, so delaying control methods until you see a problem emerge means starting from behind. Incorporating treatments of Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait or Extinguish® Plus fire ant bait with your spring and fall routine inputs will reduce colony strength, slow reproduction, and prevent reinfestation. Proactive management leads to fewer mounds and fewer problems later.

Q: What are the best ways to control fire ants effectively?

Strategic bait applications are key. Our proven options include:

Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait

Contains (S)-methoprene, an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) that disrupts the queen’s reproductive cycle.
Prevents young colonies from developing and leads to a gradual decline in population.
Approved for use anywhere fire ants are found, making it a versatile solution across many sites.

Extinguish® Plus

Combines an adulticide for quick knockdown after feeding on bait with an IGR for long-lasting colony control.
Effective in pastures, sod farms, rangelands, and around non-bearing saplings and trees.
Colony reduction begins within a week; full elimination may occur within two weeks.

Both products are listed on the EPA Quarantine list and should be used according to label directions for best results.

Q: When and how should I apply fire ant bait?

Apply baits on warm, sunny days when ants are actively foraging. Keep in mind that broadcast applications across infested areas provide more complete control than treating individual mounds alone.

Q: How can I stay ahead of fire ants long term?

Make Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait and Extinguish® Plus part of a proactive control plan, not a reactive one. Regular monitoring and seasonal applications can drastically reduce populations and protect your operation from the threat these pests pose.

Stay one step ahead with strategic, science-backed control using Extinguish® products, and protect your property year-round.

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