This article encourages people to begin to organize their community-wide fire ant management day for launch in mid-April

The red imported fire ant, a Louisiana resident since the early 1950s, can be a painful pest or a beneficial friend. Depending on your situation, you may want to manage these ants or simply let them go about their helpful way. Eradication vs. management of the fire ant is discussed in this fact sheet.

Red imported fire ants are not just a nuisance. They pose a health threat to many individuals allergic to their sting. LSU AgCenter entomologists are working to control these pests.

The destructive force of tidal surges from hurricanes Katrina and Rita at least had one benefit – controlling fire ants, according to researchers from the LSU AgCenter. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Hooper-Bui recently said field surveys in the area of Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Orleans parishes area after Hurricane Katrina and in Southwest Louisiana after Hurricane Rita showed the fire ant population was far below normal in areas flooded by storm surge.

Properly identifying the ant species is the first step in determining whether and how to control them. In this publication there are options for managing various kinds of imported fire ant problems.

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in worker size are indicative of social form for Solenopsis invicta colonies in Louisiana.

This table indicates the amount of bait in ounces and tablespoons needed per square foot for effective control of fire ants.

A Southern IPM Center publication. When choosing a broadcast bait to control imported fire ants, consumers and professional pesticide applicators face a confusing array of brand names and active ingredients with varying product performances. This guide addresses common concerns about broadcast baits to help consumers and professionals choose products that best fit their needs and situations.

Fire ants can be a serious problem after hurricanes – particularly in flooded areas, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.