Option 1:S-methoprene bait (Extinguish® ) is now registered for treating imported fire ants in cropland. Pyriproxyfen (Esteem) can be used by commercial growers in many tree fruits and nut orchards, as well as in certain vegetable and fruit crops. However, these baits are slow-acting and must be broadcast several months before maximum suppression is required. The most effective timing of application(s) and the economic benefits from control are still to be determined. Use where estimated losses exceed the cost of application, and monitor closely for secondary pest outbreaks in treated fields.
Option 2:To prevent damage to corn and sorghum seedlings, treat the seed with a product registered for soil insect control, or band an insecticide such as Lorsban 15G (chlorpyrifos) over open furrows at planting where there is a history of stand loss. Gaucho® 480 Flowable (imidacloprid) and Cruser 5F (thiomethoxam) are registered as a seed treatment for sorghum and many other crops.
Option 3:Few contact insecticides are registered specifically for fire ant control in watermelon, sunflower and other crops, although some products containing pyrethrins (Pyrenone Crop Spray and others) are generally labeled for ant control in these sites. Insecticides registered for other pests on these crops (and known to be toxic to fire ants) are occasionally used to temporarily suppress foraging ants when damage is observed and the crop is threatened.
