Controlling Fire Ants

North Carolina’s red imported fire ant infestation continues to expand, partially as a result of recent mild winters but more recently due to increased residential and industrial development and subsequent introductions of fire ants in infested sod and nursery stock.

Although fire ant stings are not fatal for most people, they are painful. The mounds that the ants build can interfere with the operation of machinery in agricultural fields. It is not practical to eradicate these ants, but their populations can be controlled, and the chance of contact with people can be minimized.

This video by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service shows the red imported fire ant and suggests suitable control methods.