Imported Fire Ant: 

QuaranƟne Treatments for Nursery Stock, 

Grass Sod, and Related Materials 

Animal and Plant Health InspecƟon Service 

APHIS 81-25-001 Updated January 2015
2 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discriminaƟon in all its programs and acƟviƟes on the basis of race, color, naƟonal origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientaƟon, geneƟc informaƟon, poliƟcal beliefs, reprisal, 

or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons 

with disabiliƟes who require alternaƟve means for communicaƟon of program informaƟon (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s 

TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discriminaƟon, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250–9410, or call (800) 795–3272 (voice) or (202) 720–6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and 

employer. 

MenƟon of companies or commercial products does not imply recommendaƟon or endorsement by USDA over others not menƟoned. USDA neither 

guarantees nor warrants the standard of any product menƟoned. Product names are menƟoned solely to report factually on available data and to provide specific informaƟon. 

This publicaƟon reports research involving pesƟcides. All uses of pesƟcides must be registered by appropriate State and/or Federal agencies before they 

can be recommended. 

CAUTION: PesƟcides can be injurious to humans, domesƟc animals, desirable plants, and fish or other wildlife—if they are not handled or applied 

properly. Use all pesƟcides selecƟvely and carefully. Follow recommended pracƟces for the disposal of surplus pesƟcides and pesƟcide containers. 

Issued September 2013 

Slightly revised March 2014 

Updated per changes to PPQ Treatment Manual: January 2015 

This publicaƟon supersedes “Imported Fire Ant 2007: QuaranƟne Treatments for Nursery Stock and Other Regulated ArƟcles,” Program Aid No. 1904, 

which was issued in December 2006. 

Photo credits: All photos are USDA-Animal and Plant Health InspecƟon Service (APHIS) file photos unless otherwise noted. 

This document is intended to supplement and clarify the Federal Imported Fire Ant QuaranƟne (Title 7, Code of Federal RegulaƟons, Part 301.81), the 

PPQ Treatment Manual, and the Imported Fire Ant Program Manual M301.81, which are published by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health InspecƟon Service, Plant ProtecƟon and QuaranƟne. Approved quaranƟne treatments are subject to change. Always consult with your State plant regulatory agency 

before applying quaranƟne treatments. 
3 

Contents 

General InformaƟon........................................................................................................................................................... 4 

List of Regulated ArƟcles....................................................................................................................................... 5 

Statutory AuthoriƟes Enabling QuaranƟne AcƟon................................................................................................ 5 

Authorized InsecƟcides.......................................................................................................................................... 5 

Approved Treatments 

Nursery Stock in Containers.................................................................................................................... 6 

Nursery Stock—Field-Grown and Balled-and-Burlapped (B&B) Stock.......................................................... 11 

Grass Sod................................................................................................................................................. 15 

Greenhouse-Grown Plants.......................................................................................................................15 

Blueberries and Other Fruit and Nut Nursery Stocks.......................................................................................15 

Soil Samples............................................................................................................................................. 15 

CerƟficaƟon of Regulated ArƟcles.................................................................................................................................... 16 

Recordkeeping..................................................................................................................................................................... 16 

MiƟgaƟve Measures.............................................................................................................................................. 17 

Protocol for CollecƟng Poƫng Media for Bulk Density DeterminaƟon................................................................ 17 

State Regulatory Officials...................................................................................................................................... 18 

USDA State Plant Health Directors....................................................................................................................... 18 
4 

General InformaƟon 

Imported fire ants (IFA) are notorious hitchhikers and are readily transported long distances when arƟcles such as soil, 

nursery stock, and other items are shipped outside the infested area. Provisions of the Federal Imported Fire Ant QuaranƟne (Title 7, Code of Federal RegulaƟons [CFR], part 301.81) were invoked May 6, 1958, in an effort to slow or prevent the 

arƟficial spread of IFA (Solenopsis invicta Buren, S. richteri Forel, or their hybrids). Figure 1 depicts the parts of the United 

States quaranƟned for IFA as of December 2011. 

Figure 1. Imported Fire Ant QuaranƟne map, December 2011. 

This document offers a handy reference of treatment opƟons for shipping regulated arƟcles, such as nursery stock, from 

within the IFA quaranƟne area to a desƟnaƟon outside the IFA quaranƟne area (such as shipping from Louisiana to Illinois 

or Colorado). This includes shipments passing through non-quaranƟne areas, even if desƟned for another IFA quaranƟne 

area (such as shipping from Florida to Orange County, CA). If you are shipping nursery stock or another regulated arƟcle 

within the IFA quaranƟne area (such as from Georgia to Louisiana), you do NOT have to follow these Federal requirements, but you must check for any State regulaƟons regarding other plant and soil pests. 

The electronic APHIS-Plant ProtecƟon and QuaranƟne (PPQ) Treatment Manual is updated more frequently than this 

printed document. In order to have the most recent informaƟon regarding treatments, please rouƟnely check the online 

PPQ Treatment Manual located at: 

www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/treatment.pdf. 

Go to “DomesƟc Treatments” in the bookmarks secƟon, then to “Imported Fire Ant (D301-81-10)”. 

The most recent IFA quaranƟne map is located at: 

www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/fireants/downloads/fireant.pdf. 

To determine whether you are in a quaranƟne area by your zip code, visit USDA’s Web site at: 

www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/fireants/zipcode.shtml and click the “check your zip code now” link. 

The State plant regulatory officials/inspectors are your first line of communicaƟon regarding the Federal IFA QuaranƟne. 

See page 18 for a complete lisƟng of State plant regulatory officials and USDA State Plant Health Directors in States regulated for IFA or go to: 

State plant regulatory officials: www.naƟonalplantboard.org/member/index.html 

USDA State Plant Health Directors: www.aphis.usda.gov/services/report_pest_disease/report_pest_disease.shtml 
5 

List of Regulated ArƟcles 

The following regulated arƟcles require a cerƟficate or permit before they can be shipped outside the IFA quaranƟne area. 

This document will address those arƟcles associated with nurseries and sod growers (highlighted in red below). 

1. IFA queens and reproducing colonies of IFA. 

2. Soil, separately or with other things, except soil samples shipped to approved laboratories (consult with a State or 

Federal inspector for a list of approved laboratories). Poƫng soil is exempt if commercially prepared, packaged, and 

shipped in original container. 

3. Plants with roots and soil aƩached, except house plants maintained indoors and not for sale. 

4. Grass sod 

5. Baled hay and straw that has been stored in contact with soil. 

6. Used soil-moving equipment. 

7. Any other products, arƟcles, or means of conveyance of any character 

whatsoever not covered by the above, when it is determined by an inspector that they present a hazard of spread of the IFA and the person in 

possession thereof has been so noƟfied. 

CerƟficates authorizing movement of regulated arƟcles are issued by quaranƟne officials when certain approved procedures have been uƟlized to ensure 

that the regulated arƟcle(s) are free from IFA infestaƟon. See page 18 for a 

complete lisƟng of State plant regulatory officials and USDA State Plant 

Health Directors. 

Statutory AuthoriƟes Enabling QuaranƟne AcƟon

LegislaƟon enabling USDA to promulgate an IFA quaranƟne is part of the 

Plant ProtecƟon Act of June 2000 (7 United States Code [USC] 7701 et seq.) 

Containerized nursery plants grown outside the 

greenhouse environment have the potenƟal for 

IFA infestaƟon. 

Authorized InsecƟcides—updated January 2015 

InsecƟcides listed in this document have been registered under the Federal InsecƟcide, Fungicide and RodenƟcide Act 

(FIFRA 7 USC § 135 et seq., 1972), as amended, or have been approved for use under an exempƟon (secƟons 18 or 24[c] of 

FIFRA). InstrucƟons, precauƟons, and direcƟons for use on the pesƟcide label must be carefully followed. As of January 

2015, the following insecƟcides are approved by USDA for the treatment of regulated arƟcles under the IFA quaranƟne. 

This list of labels is NOT inclusive, and an updated and detailed list of insecƟcide labels is available on the Web at: 

www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/fireants/downloads/IFA_QuaranƟneLables.pdf 

† WP and W = weƩable powder, E/EC = emulsifiable concentrate, G = Granular 

Common Name Trade Name examples FormulaƟons† Use paƩern

AbamecƟn Award®II Bait Field grown 

Bifenthrin Talstar®, Onyx Pro®, etc. (many) G, F, EC Container, B&B, sod 

Chlorpyrifos Dursban®, Chlorpyrifos E, G Container, B&B, field grown, sod 

Diazinon SecƟon 24(c) only, contact State 

plant regulatory official 

Fenoxycarb Award® Bait Field grown 

Fipronil Topchoice®, Fipronil G Container, sod 

Hydramethylnon Amdro®Pro Bait Field grown 

Metaflumizone SiestaTM Bait Field grown 

Methoprene ExƟnguish® Bait Field grown 

Pyriproxyfen Distance® Bait Field grown 

Tefluthrin No label currently available G Container 
6 

Approved Treatments

Approved treatments for the various categories of regulated arƟcles are contained in this secƟon and in the PPQ Treatment Manual, which can be found online at: 

www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/treatment.pdf. 

Go to “DomesƟc Treatments” in the bookmarks secƟon, then to “Imported Fire Ant (D301-81-10)”. This online manual is 

updated within weeks of a new treatment being added to the approved treatments. 

Nursery Stock in Containers

There are four methods for treaƟng containerized nursery stock and 

different pesƟcides are approved for use in these methods. 

x Immersion/Dip—bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos 

x Drench—bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos 

x Topical—bifenthrin 

x IncorporaƟon—bifenthrin, fipronil, and tefluthrin 

Method 1—Immersion or Dip Treatment for Container 

Plants (not common for containerized stock) 

Two insecƟcides are approved for this use paƩern: 

x Bifenthrin 

x Chlorpyrifos 

Equipment—An open-top, waterƟght immersion tank sufficiently large to accommodate the treaƟng soluƟon and plants 

will be needed. Drain plugs and valves will facilitate drainage aŌer treatment. Use all personal protecƟon equipment as 

required on the insecƟcide label. Important: Do not allow runoff from the treatment area. 

Step 1—Choose an appropriate site. 

x Locate the immersion tank in a well-venƟlated place. 

Step 2—Choose immersion tank. 

x Choose an appropriate sized immersion tank that will allow complete submersion of the root/soil porƟon of 

the plant. 

x Allow room for displacement of liquid soluƟon as the plant is immersed so that no treatment liquid overruns 

the top of the tank. 

Step 3—Immerse the plants. 

x Do not remove plasƟc containers with drain holes before immersion. 

x Immerse the containers, singly or in groups, so that the soil is completely covered by the insecƟcidal soluƟon. 

x Allow the plants to remain in the soluƟon unƟl bubbling ceases. Thorough saturaƟon of the containers with 

the insecƟcide soluƟon is essenƟal. 

Step 4—Remove the plants from the dip soluƟon. 

x AŌer removal from the dip, set the plants on a drainboard unƟl adequately drained. 

Step 5—Maintain appropriate level of treaƟng mixture. 

x As treaƟng progresses, add freshly prepared insecƟcide mixture to maintain the liquid at immersion depth. 

Step 6—Dispose of soluƟon. 

x Dispose of tank contents 8 hours aŌer mixing. Disposal must comply with label instrucƟons, as well as State 

and local regulaƟons. 
7 

PesƟcides Approved, Dose Rates and CerƟficaƟon Periods for Immersion of Container Plants 

 * use labels with use paƩern listed on label

Exposure period—plants are cerƟfiable upon compleƟon of treatment (follow reentry interval [REI] instrucƟons on label). 

CauƟon: Environmental factors significantly affect phytotoxicity. It is recommended that a small group of plants be treated at the appropriate rate under the anƟcipated growing condiƟons and observed for phytotoxic symptoms for at least 7 

days before a large number of plants are treated. Dwarf yaupon, some varieƟes of azaleas, camellias, poinseƫas, rose 

bushes, and variegated ivy may show phytotoxicity to chlorpyrifos. 

Method 2—Drench Treatment for Container Plants

Two insecƟcides are approved for this use paƩern: 

x Bifenthrin 

x Chlorpyrifos 

Equipment—A large-capacity bulk mixing tank, either pressurized or gravity flow, for mixing and holding the insecƟcide 

soluƟon. Properly equipped hoses and watering nozzles that can be aƩached to the mixing tank and used to thoroughly 

saturate the container with the insecƟcide soluƟon. 

Step 1—If using bifenthrin determine dry weight bulk density of poƫng media (see page 17 for instrucƟons). 

Step 2—Choose an appropriate site with regard to potenƟal runoff and venƟlaƟon. 

Step 3—Determine amount of treaƟng soluƟon per container, total amount of treaƟng soluƟon required, and 

 calibrate equipment. 

x Volume of treaƟng soluƟon must be 1/5 (20 percent) the volume of the media in the container (minimum 

required). 

x Example. A trade gal container is ca. 6"w x 7"h and in theory is ca. 3 quarts. If the container is filled within 

1" of the top of the container, then use the height of 6". Therefore 1/5 volume of a trade gal container filled 

within 1" of the top is ca. 19 oz (rounding up). 

x For many, calibraƟng is determined by how long (number of seconds) it takes for equipment to apply 19 oz 

(ca 2.5 cups) soluƟon if treaƟng all trade gallon containers. 

Step 4—Treat containers. 

x Apply treaƟng soluƟon to the point of saturaƟon with a minimum of your predetermined 1/5 volume of a 

single container. 

Step 5—Dispose of soluƟon. 

x Dispose of tank contents 8 hours aŌer mixing. Disposal must comply with label instrucƟons, as well as State 

and local regulaƟons. 

PesƟcide FormulaƟon 

Dose Rate 

Lb ai/100 gal H2O CerƟficaƟon Period 

Chlorpryrifos* EC 0.125 lb ai 30 days 

Bifenthrin* EC or F 0.115 lb ai 180 days 

 0.05 lb ai 120 days 

 0.025 lb ai 60 days 
8 

PesƟcides Approved, Dose Rates and CerƟficaƟon Periods for Drench of Container Plants 

 * use labels with use paƩern listed on label 

 ** ppm based on dry weight bulk density of poƫng media, see table below and page 17 for instrucƟons regarding bulk density determinaƟon. 

Amount of Product by FormulaƟon type to add to 100 gal water Based on Bulk Density of Poƫng Media 

* see page 17 for instrucƟon regarding bulk density determinaƟon. 

** these rates are listed under High Drench ApplicaƟon Rate on labels 

Exposure period—plants are cerƟfiable upon compleƟon of treatment (follow reentry interval [REI] instrucƟons on label). 

Diazinon may be registered by a State under FIFRA, sec. 24(c), Special Local Needs, for treatment of containerized nonbearing blueberries and fruit and nut plants. Check with your State regulatory official for 24(c) labels, treatment rates, and 

cerƟficaƟon periods. 

CauƟon: Environmental factors significantly affect phytotoxicity. It is recommended that a small group of plants be treated at the appropriate rate under the anƟcipated growing condiƟons and observed for phytotoxic symptoms for at least 7 

days before a large number of plants are treated. Dwarf yaupon, some varieƟes of azaleas, camellias, poinseƫas, rose 

bushes, and variegated ivy may show phytotoxicity to chlorpyrifos. 

Method 3—Topical Treatment for Container Plants

This topical applicaƟon method of treatment was developed when the Talstar®10WP formulaƟon was the most common 

formulaƟon available for bifenthrin. This formulaƟon is no longer available for nursery uses, but the treatment language 

was transferred to the flowable and EC labels of bifenthrin. While this topical treatment is approved, it is not generally 

used. 

One insecƟcide is approved for this use paƩern: 

x Bifenthrin 

CauƟon: This method is approved only for treatment of nursery stock in 3- and 4-quart containers. 

 

PesƟcide 

 

FormulaƟon 

Rate of ApplicaƟon 

Amount formulaƟon/100 gal 

H2O or ppm 

 

CerƟficaƟon Period 

Chlorpryrifos* 4EC 4 fl oz 30 days 

 2EC 8 fl oz 30 days 

Bifenthrin* 23.4%EC 25 ppm** 180 days 

 7.9%F 25 ppm** 180 days 

Poƫng media bulk density* 

lb/cu.yd. 

Bifenthrin 7.9% flowable** 

Oz formulaƟon/100 gal H2O 

Bifenthrin 23.4% EC** 

Oz formulaƟon/100 gal H2O 

200 2.4 0.8 

400 4.8 1.6 

600 7.2 2.4 

800 9.6 3.2 

1,000 12.0 4.0 

1,200 14.4 4.9 

1,400 16.8 5.7 
9 

Step 1— Determine dry weight bulk density of poƫng media (see page 17 for instrucƟons). 

Step 2—Prepare treatment soluƟon. 

x Based on container size and bulk density of poƫng media, mix appropriate amount of bifenthrin in 1,000 oz 

water (or equivalent, based on number of pots to treat). 

x Apply 1 fl oz of treaƟng soluƟon to each of the containers evenly distributed over the surface of the poƫng 

media. 

x Irrigate all treated containers with 1.5 inches of water following treatment. 

PesƟcides Approved, Dose Rate and CerƟficaƟon Periods for Topical Drench of Container Plants 

 * see page 17 for instrucƟons on dry weight bulk density determinaƟon 

 **use labels with use paƩern listed on label 

Exposure period – plants are cerƟfiable upon compleƟon of treatment (follow reentry interval [REI] instrucƟon on label). 

Method 4—IncorporaƟon of Granular InsecƟcides into Poƫng Media for Container Plants

Three insecƟcides are approved for incorporaƟon into poƫng media: 

x Bifenthrin 

x Fipronil 

x Tefluthrin 

Note: An online search conducted in March 2013 did not produce any fipronil or tefluthrin labels with this use paƩern and 

rate of applicaƟon. 

Equipment—use soil-mixing equipment that will adequately mix and thoroughly blend the required dosage of pesƟcide 

throughout the poƫng media. 

If you have your media prepared offsite by another company, granular insecƟcide may be premixed for you. However, 

once media is prepared and granular insecƟcide incorporated, the “clock” starts on the cerƟficaƟon period. Therefore, to 

retain the maximum cerƟficaƟon period for container stock, the premixed media should be used to pot nursery stock as 

soon as possible. 

Step 1—Determine how long a cerƟficaƟon period is required for the nursery stock you are poƫng. 

Step 2—Determine dry weight bulk density of poƫng media (see page 17 for instrucƟons). 

Step 3—Calculate amount of granular product to mix per cubic yard of poƫng media based on dry weight bulk 

 density, or use table from label. 

 

Poƫng media 

bulk density* 

Lb/cu yd 

Bifenthrin 7.9% Flowable** Bifenthrin 23.4% EC** 

 CerƟficaƟon 

Period 

 

 Oz F/1,000 oz 

H2O 

3-qt pots 

Oz F/1,000 oz 

H2O 

4-qt pots 

 Oz EC/1,000 oz 

H2O 

3-qt pots 

Oz EC/1,000 oz 

H2O 

4-qt pots 

200 3.6 5.2 1.2 1.8 180 days 

400 7.2 10.4 2.4 3.5 180 days 

600 10.8 15.6 3.7 5.2 180 days 

800 14.4 20.8 4.9 7.0 180 days 

1,00 18.0 26.0 6.1 8.8 180 days 

1,200 21.6 31.2 7.3 10.5 180 days 

1,400 25.2 36.4 8.5 12.3 180 days 
10 

PesƟcides Approved, Dose Rate and CerƟficaƟon Periods for IncorporaƟon of Granular Products into Poƫng Media for 

Container Plants 

* use labels with use paƩern listed on label 

** conƟnuous cerƟficaƟon if all other provisions of IFA Free Nursery Program are met (see page 11) 

Amount of Granular Bifenthrin 0.2% FormulaƟon to add to 1 cubic yard of Media Based on Dose Rate and Bulk Density 

of Poƫng Media 

 * see page 17 for instrucƟon regarding bulk density determinaƟon. 

Exposure period—plants are cerƟfiable upon compleƟon of treatment (follow reentry interval [REI] instrucƟons on label). 

CalculaƟon for amount of granular insecƟcide to mix into 1 cubic yard of poƫng media based on known dry weight bulk 

density of media 

Bulk density of media x ppm = lb granular needed per cubic yard media 

ConcentraƟon of pesƟcide 

Example: You want to treat 1 cubic yard of poƫng media with a bulk density of 500 lb/cu yd, with enough 0.2% 

granular bifenthrin for a 12-month cerƟficaƟon period (12 ppm). 

12 ppm = 12/1,000,000 = 0.000012 

0.2% granular bifenthrin = 0.2/100 = 0.002 

(500 x 0.000012)/0.002 = 3.0lb 0.2G bifenthrin/1 cu yd poƫng media 

Dose Rate 

Amt. of granular bifenthrin 0.2% based on bulk density of media (lb/cu yd) 

200 300 400 500 600 800 1000 

10 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 4.0 5.0 

12 1.2 1.8 2.4 3.0 3.6 4.8 6.0 

15 1.5 2.25 3.0 3.75 4.5 6.0 7.5 

25 2.5 3.75 5.0 6.25 7.5 10.0 12.5 

InsecƟcide* Dose Rate (ppm) CerƟficaƟon period 

Bifenthrin 10 6 month 

 12 12 month 

 15 24 month 

 25 ConƟnuous** 

Fipronil 10 6 month 

 12 12 month 

 15 24 month 

 25 ConƟnuous** 

Tefluthrin 10 18 month 

 25 ConƟnuous** 
11 

Note: Many nursery plants may require a longer 

cerƟficaƟon than 24 months. When a plant is 

“poƩed up” into a larger container, the grower can 

use poƫng media with newly incorporated granular 

insecƟcide to surround and augment “old” media, 

therefore extending the cerƟficaƟon period. For 

example, if a grower started a plant in a 1 gallon 

container on 3/1/10 with 12 ppm bifenthrin in the 

media, this plant now is cerƟfied for 12 months. On 

2/28/11 (1 year later), the grower moves the plant 

into a 3-gallon container, and the poƫng media 

added to fill the container has been treated with 15 

ppm bifenthrin. This plant may now be cerƟfied for 

an addiƟonal 24 months or unƟl 2/28/13 (or for 24 

months aŌer the poƫng media was treated with 

the granular bifenthrin). This example illustrates the 

importance of recordkeeping to ensure the grower can verify cerƟficaƟon of plants that have been repoƩed several Ɵmes. 

If the treatment in a container has “expired” (the cerƟficaƟon period has been exceeded), there are two opƟons: 

1. Treat with an approved drench treatment, wait the REI period, then pot up as usual with media treated with 

granular insecƟcide for the cerƟficaƟon period you desire. 

2. Pot up the plant in non-treated media, and immediately drench the larger container with an approved drench 

treatment. This plant will then have the drench cerƟficaƟon period (up to 6 months with a bifenthrin drench) 

before it will require an addiƟonal drench or another poƫng up with media treated with granular insecƟcide for 

the cerƟficaƟon period you desire. 

Federal IFA-Free Nursery Program for Plants in Containers

This IFA-Free Nursery Program is not mandatory for movement of nursery stock. CerƟficaƟon may be granted on the basis 

of other treatments listed on pages 6–10 of this document. 

The IFA-Free Nursery Program is designed to keep nurseries free of IFA and provides a basis to cerƟfy containerized 

nursery stock on a conƟnuous basis. The program has detecƟon, control, exclusion, and enforcement components that, in 

combinaƟon, provide maximum control of IFA. This program is available for growers who wish to include the enƟre property in their IFA treatment program and thus be able to ship container stock on a conƟnuous basis. ParƟcipaƟng establishments must operate under a compliance agreement. Few nurseries parƟcipate in this program, but it is available for use. 

Please contact your State inspector to discuss whether this program is right for your nursery. Specific details may be found 

in the Code of Federal RegulaƟons (7 CFR 301.81–11: Imported fire ant detecƟon, control, exclusion, and enforcement 

program for nurseries producing containerized plants). This regulaƟon is updated annually, so please go to the USDA, 

APHIS link to the current Code of Federal RegulaƟons informaƟon: 

www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/fireants/index.shtml 

Nursery Stock—Field-Grown and Balled-and-Burlapped (B&B) Stock

There are three methods for treaƟng field grown nursery stock, and 

different pesƟcides are approved for use in these methods—two postharvest and one pre-harvest: 

x Post-harvest B&B treatments 

i Immersion/Dip—bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos 

i Drench—chlorpyrifos 

x Pre-harvest in field treatment—broadcast bait plus broadcast 

contact insecƟcide (chlorpyrifos) 
12 

Method 1—Immersion or Dip Treatment for Balled-and-Burlapped (B&B) Plants

Two insecƟcides are approved for this use paƩern: 

x Bifenthrin 

x Chlorpyrifos 

Equipment—An open-top, waterƟght immersion tank sufficiently large to accommodate the treaƟng soluƟon and plants 

will be needed. Drain plugs and valves will facilitate drainage aŌer treatment. Use all personal protecƟon equipment as 

required on the insecƟcide label and State and Federal laws. Important: Do not allow runoff from the treatment area. 

Step 1—Choose an appropriate site. 

x Locate the immersion tank in a well-venƟlated place. The locaƟon should be covered if possible. 

Step 2—Choose immersion tank. 

x Choose an appropriate sized immersion tank that will allow complete submersion of the root/soil porƟon of 

the plant. 

x Allow room for displacement of liquid soluƟon as the root ball is immersed so that no treatment liquid overruns the top of the tank. 

Step 3—Immerse the plants. 

x Do not remove burlap before immersion. 

x Immerse the root balls, singly or in groups, so that the root ball is completely covered by the insecƟcidal 

soluƟon. 

x Allow the plants to remain in the soluƟon unƟl bubbling ceases. Thorough saturaƟon of the root ball with 

the insecƟcide soluƟon is essenƟal. 

Step 4—Remove the plants from the dip. 

x AŌer removal from the dip, set the plants on a drainboard unƟl adequately drained. 

Step 5—Maintain appropriate level of treaƟng mixture. 

x As treaƟng progresses, add freshly prepared insecƟcide mixture to maintain the liquid at immersion depth. 

Step 6—Dispose of soluƟon. 

x Dispose of tank contents 8 hours aŌer mixing. Disposal must comply with label instrucƟons, as well as, State 

and local regulaƟons. 

PesƟcides Approved, Dose Rates and CerƟficaƟon Periods for Immersion of Balled-and-Burlapped Plants 

 * use labels with use paƩern listed on label 

Exposure period—plants are cerƟfiable upon compleƟon of treatment (follow reentry interval [REI] instrucƟons on label). 

CauƟon: Environmental factors significantly affect phytotoxicity. It is recommended that a small group of plants be treated at the appropriate rate under the anƟcipated growing condiƟons and observed for phytotoxic symptoms for at least 7 

days before a large number of plants are treated. Dwarf yaupon, some varieƟes of azaleas, camellias, poinseƫas, rose 

bushes, and variegated ivy may show phytotoxicity to chlorpyrifos. 

PesƟcide FormulaƟon 

Dose Rate 

Lb ai/100 gal H2O CerƟficaƟon Period 

Chlorpryrifos* EC 0.125 lb ai 30 days 

Bifenthrin* EC or F 0.115 lb ai 180 days 

 0.05 lb ai 120 days 

 0.025 lb ai 60 days 
13 

Method 2—Drench Treatment for B&B Plants

One insecƟcide is approved for this use paƩern: 

x Chlorpyrifos 

Equipment—A large-capacity bulk mixing tank, either pressurized or gravity 

flow, for mixing and holding the insecƟcide soluƟon. Properly equipped 

hoses and watering nozzles that can be aƩached to the mixing tank and 

used to thoroughly saturate the root ball with the insecƟcide soluƟon. Use 

all personal protecƟon equipment as required by the insecƟcide label and 

State or Federal laws. 

Step 1—Select a site for the treatment. 

x Move the plants to a well-venƟlated place normally used to 

maintain plants prior to shipment. 

x Choose an appropriate site with regard to potenƟal runoff and venƟlaƟon. 

Step 2—Determine amount of treaƟng soluƟon per root ball, total amount of treaƟng soluƟon required and calibrate 

equipment. 

x The total volume of the treaƟng soluƟon must be 1/5 (20 percent) the volume of the root ball. 

x Volume formula for Cone = pi (R2

 + rR + r2) h / 3 where R = Radius of top of cone, r = radius of boƩom of 

cone, h = cone height, pi = 3.14. 

i Example. If you have a 25" root ball (top diameter) with a boƩom diameter of ca. 10" and a height 

of ca. 12", the volume of the root ball is ca. 3061.5 cu inches or ca. 13.3 gal (using online conversion 

page). Remember: radius is 1/2 diameter. 

i 1/5 of 13.3 gal is ca. 2.6 gal treatment soluƟon to be used over the course of the 2 drench applicaƟons (or ca. 1.3 gal per drench applicaƟon). 

i Your State inspector or an extension agent can assist you with this calculaƟon. 

x For many, calibraƟng is determined by how long (number of seconds) it takes for equipment to apply 1.3 gal 

soluƟon if treaƟng all 25" root balls. 

Step 3—Apply the treatment—UPDATED JANUARY 2015. 

x The treatment will be enhanced by adding any agricultural weƫng agent or surfactant. 

x Do not remove burlap wrap from plants prior to treatment . 

x Treat plants with the insecƟcide soluƟon twice in one day. 

x Apply one-half the total drench soluƟon, wait at least 30 minutes, then rotate the root ball and apply the 

second one-half drench soluƟon. 

x RotaƟng or flipping the root ball between drench applicaƟons is required to insure all sides of the root ball 

are sufficiently treated. 

Step 4—Dispose of soluƟon. 

x Dispose of tank contents 8 hours aŌer mixing. Disposal must comply with label instrucƟons, as well as, State 

and local regulaƟons. 

PesƟcides Approved, Dose Rates and CerƟficaƟon Periods for Drench of Balled-and-Burlapped Plants 

 * use labels with use paƩern listed on label 

Exposure period—plants are cerƟfiable upon compleƟon of treatment (follow reentry interval [REI] instrucƟons on label). 

PesƟcide FormulaƟon 

Amt formulaƟon/ 

100 gal H2O 

Dose Rate 

Lb ai/100 gal H2O CerƟficaƟon Period 

Chlorpryrifos* 4EC 4 fl oz 0.125 lb ai 30 days 

 2EC 8 fl oz 0.125 lb ai 30 days 
14 

Method 3 – In field treatment of Field-Grown Plants (Pre-Harvest) 

Several bait products and one contact insecƟcide are approved for this 

use paƩern: 

x Baits—UPDATED JNAUARY 2015 

i AbamecƟn  Metaflumizone 

i Fenoxycarb  Methoprene 

i Hydramethylnon  Pyriproxyfen 

x Contact insecƟcide 

i Chlorpyrifos granular 

Note: An online search conducted in March 2013 did not produce any 

chlorpyrifos labels with this use paƩern and rate of applicaƟon. 

This in-field treatment is based on a sequenƟal applicaƟon of an approved bait followed by a broadcast applicaƟon of a 

contact insecƟcide. The combinaƟon treatment is necessary since broadcast applicaƟon of chlorpyrifos (or other shortterm residual insecƟcides) usually does not eliminate large, mature IFA colonies, and baits are not capable of providing a 

residual barrier against reinfestaƟon by new queens. Therefore, the approved bait applicaƟon will drasƟcally reduce the 

IFA populaƟon, while the contact insecƟcide (chlorpyrifos), applied approximately 5 days later, will destroy any remaining 

weakened colonies and also leave a residual barrier against reinfestaƟon by newly mated queens for a period of Ɵme 

(cerƟficaƟon period). 

PesƟcides Approved, Dose Rates, Exposure Periods, and CerƟficaƟon Periods for Infield Treatment of Field Grown 

Plants 

 Note: Treatment area must extend at least 10 feet beyond the base of all plants that are to be cerƟfied. 

Apply the bait with any granular applicator capable of applying labeled rates of 1–1.5 lb bait per acre. Baits should be 

applied when ants are acƟvely foraging, usually when air temperatures are between 65–90 °F. To determine if ants are 

acƟve, place a food lure such as slices of hotdogs or potato chips in the area you plan to treat, wait ca. 30–45 minutes, 

and check the food lure for ants. Most seed or ferƟlizer granular applicators cannot be accurately calibrated to this low 

rate. A Herd® GT-77 Granular Applicator (Kasco Manufacturing; Shelbyville, IN) is frequently used in conjuncƟon with allterrain vehicles or farm tractors to apply IFA baits. 

Apply bait 

3-5 days later apply 

contact Exposure Period CerƟficaƟon Period 

Approved bait @ 

1-1.5 lb ai/acre Chlorpyrifos G @ 

6 lb ai/acre 

30 days aŌer contact 

applicaƟon 

12 weeks aŌer exposure 

period 

 

 

2nd chlorpyrifos applicaƟon 

at 6 lb ai/acre at end of 

original cerƟficaƟon period 

 12 weeks addiƟonal 

cerƟficaƟon 
15 

Grass Sod 

There are three insecƟcides approved for treatment of grass sod. All treatments require broadcast applicaƟon and an exposure period prior to the cerƟficaƟon period. 

x Bifenthrin—liquid 

x Chlorpyrifos—liquid 

x Fipronil—granular 

Note: An online search conducted in March 2013 did not produce any chlorpyrifos labels with this use paƩern and rate of 

applicaƟon. 

All treatments are applied as broadcast treatments with appropriate ground applicaƟon equipment. Liquid treatments 

(chlorpyrifos or bifenthrin) should be applied at the rate of finished soluƟon per acre as noted on the specific label, or the 

addiƟon of an appropriate surfactant used at lower rates/acre of applicaƟon. Read labels carefully. All treatments will benefit from irrigaƟon aŌer treatment, so it is recommended that one-half inch of irrigaƟon be added aŌer treatment. 

PesƟcides Approved, Dose Rates and CerƟficaƟon Periods for Broadcast Treatment of Grass Sod 

Example: You are applying liquid bifenthrin to 10 acres of grass sod in the IFA quaranƟne area. Using a broadcast applicator, 

apply 0.2 lb. acƟve ingredient (ai) per acre in an appropriate amount of water, and then 7 days later, apply a second dosage 

of 0.2 lb. a.i. per acre. AŌer a 28-day exposure period, you may harvest and ship sod for 16 weeks. AŌer that Ɵme, to conƟnue harvesƟng from the same area, you would need to re-treat if allowed by the label. 

Greenhouse-Grown Plants 

Greenhouse-grown plants are cerƟfiable without insecƟcidal treatment if the inspector determines that the greenhouse is 

constructed of fiberglass, glass, or plasƟc in such a way that IFA are physically excluded and cannot become established 

within the enclosure. Slat houses, shade houses, or open greenhouses do not qualify as physical barriers. Plants grown in 

these structures must be treated with an approved insecƟcide before they can be cerƟfied for movement. 

Blueberries and Other Fruit and Nut Nursery Stocks 

Certain States may have Special Local Needs labeling in accordance with secƟon 24(c) of FIFRA for diazinon, which APHIS will 

recognize as a regulatory treatment for containerized nonbearing blueberries and fruit and nut plants. Follow label direcƟons for use. Contact your State regulatory official for availability and instrucƟons. 

Soil Samples 

Soil samples are eligible for movement when treated by heat or cold temperatures. Samples are cerƟfied for as long as the 

soil is protected from recontaminaƟon aŌer the appropriate exposure period. 

Soil samples may be frozen in any commercial cold storage, frozen food locker, or home freezer capable of rapidly reducing 

to and maintaining required temperature. Soil samples will be placed in plasƟc bags—one sample per bag. The bags will be 

arranged in the freezer in a manner to allow the soil samples to freeze in the fastest possible Ɵme. If desired, the frozen 

samples may be shipped in one carton. Soil samples desƟned for an approved laboratory do not require treatment. Check 

with your State regulatory official or USDA State Plant Health Director for a list of approved laboratories. 

 

PesƟcide 

 

FormulaƟon 

lb ai/acre 

per 

applicaƟon 

 Total no. 

applicaƟons 

1 week apart 

 

Total 

lb ai/acre 

Exposure 

Period 

CerƟficaƟon 

Period 

Bifenthrin EC 0.2 2 0.4 28 days 16 wks 

Chlorpyrifos EC, WP 8 1 8 2 days 6 wks 

Fipronil G 0.0125 2 0.025 30 days 20 wks 

Treatment Temperature °F (°C) Exposure Period 

Heat—dry or steam 150 °F (65.5 °C) UnƟl all parts of mass reach 150 °F 

Cold—freezing -10 °F to -20 °F 

(-23 °C to -28 °C) 24 hours minimum 
16 

CerƟficaƟon of Regulated ArƟcles 

All regulated arƟcles moving interstate and outside the IFA QuaranƟne area must demonstrate compliance with the IFA 

QuaranƟne regulaƟons (7 CFR 301.81). Establishments that regularly ship large quanƟƟes of regulated arƟcles (nursery 

stock) outside the regulated area should enter into a compliance agreement. A compliance agreement is reviewed on a 

regular basis, and through this agreement, the grower is issued a stamp, a wriƩen statement or other means of cerƟfying 

each shipment. Establishments that rarely ship outside the regulated area will need to call their State inspector several 

weeks prior to shipment and have each load issued a cerƟficate or limited permit demonstraƟng compliance with the IFA 

regulaƟons. This will require the inspector to be present for any treatments required prior to shipment. Contact your State 

inspector for details. 

Recordkeeping 

Recordkeeping for all restricted-use pesƟcides (RUPs) is required by FIFRA, 40 CFR Part 171, and the Food, Agriculture, 

ConservaƟon and Trade (FACT) Act of 1990, commonly referred to as the 1990 Farm Bill. SecƟon 11 of FIFRA and 40 CFR 

Part 171 require cerƟfied commercial applicators to maintain records of applicaƟon of RUPs. The 1990 Farm Bill requires 

private pesƟcide applicators to keep records of restricted-use chemicals they apply (www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/

pesƟciderecords). Many State pesƟcide laws, including those for recordkeeping, are more extensive than Federal law, and 

cerƟfied private and commercial applicators must familiarize themselves with the State's pesƟcide laws and recordkeeping 

requirements. 

Under Federal law, commercial applicators and those who contract with commercial applicators to apply RUPs to property 

owned by another person must maintain applicator records for at least 24 months from the date of pesƟcide use, and 

they shall include the following informaƟon [40 CFR 171.11(c)(7)]: 

x Name and address of the person for whom the pesƟcide was applied; 

x LocaƟon of the pesƟcide applicaƟon; 

x Target pest(s); 

x Specific crop or commodity, as appropriate, and site, to which the pesƟcide was applied; 

x Year, month, day, and Ɵme of applicaƟon; 

x Trade name and Environmental ProtecƟon Agency (EPA) registraƟon number of the pesƟcide applied; 

x Amount of the pesƟcide applied and percentage of acƟve ingredient per unit of the pesƟcide used; and 

x Type and amount of the pesƟcide disposed of, method of disposal, date(s) of disposal, and locaƟon of the 

disposal site. 

Under Federal law, private applicators must maintain applicator records for at least 2 years. The nine required elements 

that must be recorded within 14 days of each RUP applicaƟon are as follows (1990 Farm Bill): 

x The brand or product name 

x The EPA registraƟon number 

x The total amount applied 

x The month, day, and year 

x The locaƟon of the applicaƟon 

x The crop, commodity, stored product, or site 

x The size of area treated 

x The name of the cerƟfied applicator 

x The cerƟficaƟon number of the cerƟfied applicator 

Approved State plans for cerƟficaƟon of commercial and private applicators must include provisions requiring cerƟfied 

commercial applicators to keep and maintain for the period of at least 2 years rouƟne operaƟonal records containing informaƟon on types, amounts, uses, dates, and places of applicaƟon of RUPs, and for ensuring that such records will be 

available to appropriate State officials. 

The term commercial applicator means a cerƟfied applicator (whether or not he/she is a private applicator with respect to 

some uses) who uses or supervises the use of any pesƟcide which is classified for restricted use for any purpose or on any 

property other than as provided by the definiƟon of “private applicator.” 
17 

The term private applicator means a cerƟfied applicator who uses or supervises the use of any pesƟcide which is classified 

for restricted use for purposes of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by him/her or his/

her employer or (if applied without compensaƟon other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodiƟes) on the property of another person. 

Many State pesƟcide agencies have developed recordkeeping forms for your convenience. Check with your State regarding specifics on recordkeeping requirements and forms. For States operaƟng under Federal law for private applicator 

recordkeeping, forms are available at: www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/pesƟciderecords. 

MiƟgaƟve Measures 

The following measures are required to minimize the impact of quaranƟne treatments on the environment and human 

health. Any person requesƟng cerƟficaƟon to authorize the movement of regulated arƟcles must adhere to these 

measures where applicable. 

x All applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulaƟons must be followed. 

x Safety equipment and clothing (personal protecƟve equipment [PPEs]), as specified by the label instrucƟons, 

must be used and worn during treatments and inspecƟons. 

x Safety pracƟces shall be communicated, and regulated establishment managers must require that on-the-job 

safety pracƟces be followed. 

x All pesƟcides must be applied, handled, stored, and used in accordance with label instrucƟons. 

x Empty pesƟcide containers must be disposed of in accordance with label instrucƟons and Federal, State, and 

local regulaƟons. 

x PesƟcide remaining in containers aŌer compleƟon of an applicaƟon must be retained and disposed of in accordance with label instrucƟons and Federal, State, and local regulaƟons. 

x Oral or wriƩen warnings must be provided to workers and the general public, indicaƟng pesƟcide applicaƟon 

areas during applicaƟon and appropriate re-entry intervals (REIs). 

x Owners or managers of regulated properƟes must take precauƟons to limit access to treated areas by the 

public, livestock, and wildlife. 

Protocol for CollecƟon of Nursery Poƫng Media for Bulk Density DeterminaƟon 

Contact your State regulatory official/inspector (see page 18) prior to collecƟng samples to determine where to submit 

samples and any costs associated with the work. 

If the State does not provide specific instrucƟons for sample collecƟon, the following protocol can be used: 

x Collect poƫng media from five different locaƟons around the media pile for a total of approximately one-half 

gallon of media, and place in a heavy duty plasƟc bag. Do this for each different media type you want bulk 

density determined for. Double bagging may be necessary to ensure against breakage during shipping. 

x If a sample form is not supplied by the State, please include with each sample: 

i Contact person name, phone number, mailing address, and email address; 

i Date sample collected; 

i Requested service: bulk density determinaƟon; and 

i Any addiƟonal remarks or comments, as needed. 
18 

Alabama 

AL Department of Agriculture and Industries 

Division of Plant Industry 

1445 Federal Drive 

Montgomery, AL 36107 

334-240-7225 

Arizona 

Plant Services Division 

Arizona Department of Agriculture 

1688 West Adams 

Phoenix, AZ 85007 

602-542-0996 

Arkansas 

Division of Plant Industry 

Arkansas State Plant Board 

Post Office Box 1069 

LiƩle Rock, AR 72203 

501-225-1598 

California 

Plant Health and Pest PrevenƟon Services 

California Department of Food & Agriculture 

1220 N Street, Room 221 

Sacramento, CA 95814 

916-654-0317 

Florida 

Division of Plant Industry 

Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services 

Post Office Box 147100 

Gainesville, FL 32614-7100 

352-395-4628 

Georgia 

Plant ProtecƟon SecƟon 

Georgia Department of Agriculture 

1109 Experiment Street 

Redding Building, Room 213 

Griffin, GA 30223 

404-586-1140 

Louisiana 

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry 

Post Office Box 3596 

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3596 

225-952-8100 

Mississippi 

Bureau of Plant Industry 

Mississippi Department of Agriculture and 

Commerce 

Post Office Box 5207 

Mississippi St., MS 39762 

662-325-8789 

New Mexico 

Bureau of Entomology & Nursery Industries 

New Mexico Department of Agriculture MSC, 3BA 

Post Office Box 30005 

Las Cruces, NM 88003-0005 

575-646-3207 

North Carolina 

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and 

Consumer Services 

Plant Industry Division 

1060 Mail Service Center 

Raleigh, NC 27699-1060 

919-707-3753 

Oklahoma

Consumer ProtecƟon Services Division 

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Forestry 

Post Office Box 528804 

Oklahoma City, OK 73152-8804 

405-522-5879 

Puerto Rico 

State Plant QuaranƟne Program 

Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture 

Post Office Box 10163 

San Juan, PR 00908-1163 

787-723-7725, 787-722-5301 

South Carolina 

Department of Plant Industry 

511 WesƟnghouse Road 

Pendleton, SC 29670 

864-646-2135 

Tennessee 

Division of Regulatory Services 

Tennessee Department of Agriculture 

Post Office Box 40627 

Melrose StaƟon 

Nashville, TN 37204 

615-837-5338 

Texas 

Texas Department of Agriculture 

Post Office Box 12847 

AusƟn, TX 78711 

512-463-5025 

Virginia 

Office of Plant and Pest Services 

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer 

Services 

Post Office Box 1163 

Richmond, VA 23218 

804-786-3515 

Alabama 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

1st Floor ADP RM 

1836 Glynwood Drive 

PraƩville, AL 36066 

334-358-4920 

Arizona 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD for AZ & NM 

3640 E Wier Ave. 

Phoenix, AZ 85040 

602-431-3200 

Arkansas 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

1200 Cherrybrook Drive, Suite 100 

LiƩle Rock, AR 72211-3861 

501-324-5258 

California 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

650 Capital Mall, Suite 6-400 

Sacramento, CA 95814 

916-930-5500 

Florida 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

8100 NW 15th Place 

Gainesville, FL 32606 

352-313-3040 

Georgia 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

1506 Klondike Road, Suite 306 

Conyers, GA 30094 

770-860-4020 

Louisiana 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

4354 S. Sherwood Forest Boulevard., Suite 150 

Baton Rouge, LA 70816 

225-298-5410 

Mississippi 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

505 Russell Street 

Starkville, MS 39759 

662-323-1291 

New Mexico 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

3640 E Wier Avenue 

Phoenix, AZ 85040 

602-431-3200 

North Carolina 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD for NC & SC 

930 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200 

Raleigh, NC 27606-5202 

919-855-7600 

Oklahoma 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

301 N. W. 6th Street, Suite 101 

Oklahoma City, OK 73105 

405-609-8840 

Puerto Rico 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

IBM Building 

654 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 700 

Hato Rey, PR 00918 

787-766-6050 

South Carolina 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD for NC & SC 

930 Main Campus Dr., Suite 200 

Raleigh, NC 27606 

919-855-7600 

Tennessee 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

1410 Kensington Square Court, Suite 101 

Murfreesboro, TN 37130-6902 

615-907-7801 

Texas 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

903 San Jacinto Boulevard, Suite 270 

AusƟn, TX 78701-2450 

512-916-5241 

Virginia 

USDA, APHIS, PPQ, SPHD 

5657 South Laburnum Avenue 

Richmond, VA 23231-4536 

804-771-2042 

USDA, APHIS, State Plant Health Directors (www.aphis.usda.gov/services/report_pest_disease/report_pest_disease.shtml)

State Plant Regulatory Officials (www.naƟonalplantboard.org/member/index.html)