 A sure sign of spring are the rising fire ant mounds in our yards, parks and gardens. Just when we begin to venture out to enjoy a barefoot stroll outdoors or set out a picnic blanket in a local park we are faced with this invasive creature. With a little knowledge of the habits of fire ants, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to roll around in the grass all summer long. Ants are social insects that live in large colonies not unlike our communities. They live, work, feed and protect one another. Their colony is very organized and every member has a job to do, from laying eggs, gathering food, and fighting to protect the colony. Each colony has one queen whose sole job is to lay eggs. Worker ants diligently feed and protect her and will even move the entire colony to save her. Queen ants can live beyond 20 years. Ant activity is communicated through pheromones that act like alarms as well as trail markers. If they detect any threat to the colony, such as chemicals, a Reebok-size 9, or the sudden jab from little Tommy’s stick, they are naturally triggered to begin either an all out attack or relocation. There are two basic methods of controlling fire ants within a limited area: Individual Mound Treatments: Drenching the entire mound making sure it is not disturbed prior to treatment so the queen is not carried deeper within the mound away from chemical. The chemical should be injected into the heart of the mound in order to get the chemical as close to the queen as possible and will be more effective than a topical application. Granular treatments must be watered in well. Broadcast Yard Treatments: A Broadcast treatment of TALSTAR PL granules is a slow-acting contact insecticide with a long residual of up to six months. While foraging, ants come in contact with the product and die, resulting in the starvation of the entire colony, thus eliminating the fire ants from the entire treatment area. Unlike individual mound treatments, colonies need not be "located" in order for them to be treated. Make sure that the grass is freshly cut before treatment to insure the product gets to the bottom of the grass blades where ants travel. Alright, now spread out those blankets, ice down a watermelon, grab a few poboys and soak up the sun. Maybe you should even take off your shoes and let your toes explore the cool grass. Happy Spring! | 
