Mississippi, as well as several other states in the Southeast, is home to this pest that infests lawns, pastures, gardens and occasionally houses.
Fire ants are a nuisance, but there are some strategies for controlling the tiny beast.
Dr. James Jarratt, extension entomology specialist at Mississippi State University, said landowners can choose from a variety of control methods. Use a spreader to broadcast bait, made up of small granular particles soaked in an insecticide mixture. Jarratt said even after bait treatment has taken effect, some fire ant beds may reappear. Drenching methods involve a liquid poison mixed at the approved rate with a gallon of water. The insecticide mixture is then poured in and around fire ant mounds.