The agencies and universities involved have learned much about the biology and behavior of the species, tested pesticides, investigated and released biological control agents and have implemented programs to eliminate problems caused by the pest in urban areas. In the first three years of the project, great strides have been made in research, education, and regulatory efforts that have allowed the plan to win some battles against fire ants. Thousands of people have been educated on how to control the ants through community-wide treatment programs. But this pest has been in Texas for more than 50 years and it won't go away in the next few. It's going to take a commitment and sustained effort to reach our long-term control according to Drees.
Fire ants love to nest in home lawns, parks and ornamental turfgrass areas.
At certain times of the year, especially spring and fall after rainy periods, freshly worked mounds are noticeable and can be unsightly. Like other ants, the fire ant is a social insect. Colonies live in mounds of dirt that may be more than 18 inches high. There may be hundreds of thousands of worker ants in a mature colony. In many areas, each mound contains many queen ants, each producing eggs.