Fire ants invade lawns and gardens, causing damage and unsightly mounds. They are attracted to pet bowls, utility boxes, and occasionally, they invade homes in search of food, water and shelter. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service recommends broadcasting a bait insecticide product over your entire yard usually between late August and mid-October, then treating individual, problem mounds with an approved mound drench, granule, bait, or dust insecticide.
Baits consist of processed corn grits coated with soybean oil.
Worker ants take the bait back to colony, where it is shared with the queen, which then either dies or becomes infertile. Baits currently available include Amdro, Siege, Logic, Award, Ascend, Distance, Extinguish or Raid Fire Ant Killer. Tips for Applying Baits Use fresh bait, preferably from an unopened container. Apply when ground and grass are dry and not rain is expected for 24 hours. Apply when worker ants are foraging, usually in late afternoon.