by Dr. Robert Moon
If you do not like cohabitating with Texas fire ants, now is the time for you to use the tried and true, Texas Two-Step. No, I am not referring to the dance. I do not recommend dancing or stomping on any fire ant bed. The ants always win! But if you use the Texas Two-Step method of control, you will no longer need to watch every step as you walk and work in your yard and garden and it will prevent mounds around your foundation where ants can enter your home.
Fire ants start to become active in the spring when temperatures warm to 65 degrees and during periods of heavy rain to protect their beds. Once temperatures warm, ants start building beds, foraging for food and producing young. Purchase your control materials now and watch for the first signs of activity and then Texas Two Step with the Ants.
Texas Two Step Method for fire ant control - First step, apply a product containing a food source and an insecticide. Spread the bait over the entire yard and the ant workers will carry the bait back to the mounds. There are organic baits on the market – Safer Brand Fire Ant Bait and Green Light Fire Ant Control with Conserve. Second step, treat individual mounds that remain active by drenching with Safer Brand Fire Ant Mound Drench or Citrex Fire Ant Killer. The above products or similar products can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowe’s or you can order online. Turn off irrigation system and avoid rainy weather when applying products.