Fire ants
There is virtually no limit to the places fire ants set up housekeeping, including your lawn and garden. The mounds created by imported red fire ants range from a few inches to 18 inches high. Unlike other ant mounds, they are distinguished by the lack of an opening in the center—fire ants leave and enter through underground tunnels. In heavily infested areas (five or more mounds per 1⁄4 acre), experts often recommend a carefully timed, two-step method for control. The first step is to broadcast fire ant bait across affected areas. The second step is treatment of individual mounds. Methods labeled as “least toxic” or “organic” (including treating mounds with boric acid) have also been successful. Never douse mounds with gasoline—it pollutes soil and may contaminate groundwater. Fire ants cannot be entirely eradicated but rather managed in your immediate surroundings. Learn how colonies survive and spread. Ask your Cooperative Extension agent for the most up-to-date information about controlling fire ants in your area, then use a comprehensive strategy.