Roger writes
Myrmica Rubra aka European Fire Ants can be very difficult to eliminate and there has not been a lot of research or product development on this particular species of fire ant. The few studies that we have seen do indicate that hydramethylnon, one of the active ingredients in Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait, is somewhat effective for European Fire Ants, though how effective it is has not yet been established. The studies also indicate that sweet gel baits or liquid baits containing boric acid can also be effective for this ant species. Cultural controls methods are very important when trying to eliminate or control a European Fire Ant colony. These ants prefer high humidity, moist soil, reduced exposure to the sun and they will usually feed off of the secretions or honey dew from aphids. By controlling any one of these needs you can help reduce the number of ants to a more manageable level. For instance, you can spray trees or bushes that are hosts to aphids with a product such as Talstar P to get rid of the aphid population, you can remove lawn debris, rocks, logs or boards which European fire ants will try to use as a nesting site and you can mow tall grasses and reduce irrigation to cause dryer soils. Most successful European Fire Ant control programs utilize both ant baits and cultural control practices.
Answer last updated on: 07/03/2011
