FIRE ANTS

[Shammy Davis]

UK Equine Disease Quarterly did an interesting article on the introduction and spread of the fire ant which unfortunately was introduced into AL in the late 70's. The spread of the ants has been extensive in the SE. It noted that the spread north has reach central NC and TN. The mid-Atlantic is so far unaffected, but I was wondering if anyone on the board is currently dealing with problem in their pastures and what methods, if any, were being used to control the infestation. I guess the biggest problem with these insects is the painful bite. They are predators of ticks.

[xfactor fan]

There are two methods that I know about, one is a biological control that breeds inside the fire ants and works to keep the population down. Don't know if it has been released to the public yet. This was the natural predator that wasn't imported with the original fireant introduction.

Another method is for you and a very good friend to suit up in anti ant gear, and armed with a shovel, approach different nests. Dig up a full shovel of ant nest from each nest, then you both sprint to each others nest and dump the shovel.

This is supposed to start a war between the two nests, which should eliminate one of the colonies. Don't know how well this works, but at least if the ants are biting each other, they won't be biting you.

[Discovery]

Another method is for you and a very good friend to suit up in anti ant gear, and armed with a shovel, approach different nests. Dig up a full shovel of ant nest from each nest, then you both sprint to each others nest and dump the shovel.

This is supposed to start a war between the two nests, which should eliminate one of the colonies. Don't know how well this works, but at least if the ants are biting each other, they won't be biting you.

haha I'll have to try that

[noworriesfarm]

We have the joy of these pesky critters in our pastures- you have to be careful which poisons you use in horse pastures, check with you local ag extension agent to see which ones are available in your area.
I have had several people tell me they are using a soapy water mix with Dawn dish soap, just pour some on the mound and it kills them. I just used the end of my poison, and I think I'll try this method next- it will be cheaper!
The horses do learn to stay out of them pretty quickly!

[Monsun]

"Another method is for you and a very good friend to suit up in anti ant gear, and armed with a shovel, approach different nests. Dig up a full shovel of ant nest from each nest, then you both sprint to each others nest and dump the shovel."


I wouldn't recommend it... By the time you've sprinted five yards with that loaded shovel, you'd be covered in bites. These babies are faster than greased lightning.

[zinn21]

If they are a predator of ticks isn't that a good thing? Is their upside overwhelmed by their downside?

[xfactor fan]

Hence the suit up in anti ant gear.

[madelyn]

If they are a predator of ticks isn't that a good thing? Is their upside overwhelmed by their downside?

I don't think fire ants have anything like an upside. I lived in FL for a long time and they are incredibly destructive, poisonous creatures that construct amazing giant anthill colonies in no time.

[Strategic Maneuver]

I hate fire ants with a passion and have logged in many hours and money trying to keep them under control with only marginal success. There is no upside to fire ants. They can eat your fence posts and I've seen them kill mature trees by eating their roots if the nests get too big. Older horses learn very quickly to keep away from the mounds but a new foal can get into alot of trouble if they lie down on a big mound. I keep my mare/foal paddocks treated and if I'm ruining the ground water or killing the planet, so be it. I've debated over the years, digging a mound up and taking it to DC and leaving them in Georgetown. Maybe if our congressmen got a few bites they'd get off their butts and get some of their infamous pork barrel funding to find a way to get rid of these nasty critters.

[xfactor fan]

Here's a site with a good overview on fire ants, and control methods. Several of them seem to be non toxic and would be safe to use in horse pastures. Dry Ice in one method that is talked about. The CO2 being heavier than air kills the entire nest from the top down.


http://www.safe2use.com/pests/fireants/ipmsummary.htm

Good luck.

[madelyn]

There ARE some good tips on that site.. however I got a GOOD laugh where it said "poke a stick into the mound to make 6 or 7 holes" and they forgot to tell you to put on armor first...

[mehile]

I've debated over the years, digging a mound up and taking it to DC and leaving them in Georgetown. Maybe if our congressmen got a few bites they'd get off their butts and get some of their infamous pork barrel funding to find a way to get rid of these nasty critters.

HA!

[Lisann]

Saw a interview on RFD - there are beneficial insects (believe they are nematoads) that attach/kill fire ants. Check:
http://www.arbico-organics.com/

[Strategic Maneuver]

Thanks Lisann for passing on info. I had tried the nematods some years ago for flies with not much success. The ones listed for fire ants would not be applicable for me as the ranch size is 10 acres and must be watered every 3 to 4 days. I'm dealing with close to 300 acres and no irrigation system except around the house. We use to have quail and meadowlarks everywhere. Fire ants ate the eggs and now we have none here in East TX unless you farm raise them in pens. Oh, and funny thing, still have ticks. But if someone can point me to something organic that will work, I'm all for it.

[xfactor fan]

You could try Guinea Hens for the ticks. A friend buys a batch ever spring, they are wild enough to roost in trees and not get eaten by the local wildlife, and love to eat ticks.