Know Your Enemy: How to Identify Fire Ants and Protect Your Investment

Fire ants threaten the safety of livestock, the longevity of equipment, the productivity of land, the quality of crops, and so much more. Before you can effectively treat for fire ants, it's important to understand which species you're up against, because each brings its own brand of damage.

Here's a guide to identifying the most common fire ant threats and how to control them with proven solutions.

Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA)

These aggressive invaders are widely known for the damage they cause to costly agricultural equipment with their hardened, tall mounds. Not only do they reduce pasture usability, they also pose a risk to livestock and human safety. Their sting is painful, and in rare cases, fatal.

Southern California Fire Ants

Smaller than the red imported fire ant, but just as dangerous. This species is especially sensitive to vibrations and footsteps, triggering an aggressive response when their mound is disturbed. Their stings can harm livestock and people alike.

Harvester Ants

Harvester ants are known for their underground nests and small mounds. They primarily feed on seeds, posing a threat to crops and forage. Their painful sting can be fatal to small animals and, when disturbed, their colonies may attack in force.

Big-Headed Ants

These ants nest in soil beneath debris or equipment and are recognizable by their oversized heads. They feed on seeds and honeydew and can interfere with field operations due to their nesting locations.

Argentine Ants

Small in stature but large in numbers. Argentine ants nest just beneath the surface and are uniquely equipped for explosive population growth thanks to their multi-queen colonies. That means treatment must account for rapid repopulation.

The Right Tools for the Job: Extinguish® Fire Ant Baits

Protecting your operation from fire ants starts with choosing the right solution. Central Life Sciences offers two industry-trusted options in the Extinguish® fire ant bait product line.

Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait

Key Features:

Contains (S)-methoprene, an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
Prevents the queen from reproducing, leading to colony elimination
No mound movement, long-term control

Application:

Use 1--1.5 lb. per acre
Ideal for hand, chest, backpack, or aerial applications
Suitable for medium-sized areas to large-scale operations

Where to Use:

Anywhere crops are grown: pastures, citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards
Residential turf and landscapes
Commercial nurseries
Approved for use where cattle and horses graze -- no withdrawal period
USDA Quarantine Approved

Extinguish® Plus Fire Ant Bait

Key Features:

Dual-action formula: Hydramethylnon (adulticide) + (S)-methoprene (IGR)
Long-term queen sterilization
Works on visible and hidden colonies

Application:

Use 1.5 lb. per acre
Broadcast or individual mound treatment
Apply by hand, spreader, backpack, bait station, or aerial

Where to Use:

Around saplings and non-fruit-bearing trees
Residential turf and landscapes
Commercial nurseries
Approved for indoor/outdoor use and grazing land --- no withdrawal period
USDA Quarantine Approved

Don't wait for the mounds to grow. Control starts with identification and ends with Extinguish® fire ant baits. For more information on these products or help creating a treatment plan tailored to your land, contact a representative in your area today.

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