Freezing Temperatures Might Have Taken The Sting Out Of The Fire Ant Population
Nashville, Ark. –
With the days getting longer and the weather getting nicer, families are starting to spend more time outside, people are starting to work in their gardens more, and farmers are getting pastures ready for hay. One pest that effects every one of them is the fire ant. The fire ant has managed to stretch his home as far north as Northern Arkansas due to or lack of harsh winter conditions we have.
When should I start treating fire ant mounds?
If you start seeing fire ant mounds, do not jump the gun and start treating them just yet. It is a little too early to begin treating. The ideal time to treat is anytime time after May 15. The soil temperature needs to reach at least 65 degrees before treatment. Treatment applications will be different for each location and the density of the mounds in that area.
Cost can be another factor to consider when treating for fire ants. If you treat to early, it might be a waste of time and money.
Fire ants always seem to appear after a rainfall, so pay close attention to where you step after a good rain.
Did the freeze kill the fire ants?
We could see a decrease in fire ants this year due to consecutive days of freezing temperatures. However, do not think this is going to become the norm. The last time something like this happened, it only took the fire ant population 1.5 years to repopulate.
For more information, you can send an email to shorn@uada.edu. Howard County Extension office is still working and is there for all the residences in Howard County during this time.
By Samantha Horn
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Samantha Horn
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
shorn@uada.edu
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