Communities that are home to the ants now have a framework for developing abatement programs, Shanklin said. At this spring's legislative session, Sen. Jim Scott, D-Warren, introduced a bill creating a way for communities to control the ants. The legislation was modeled on the mosquito abatement act. Under the act, residents may ask their quorum court to start a fire ant abatement district Oncethe court approves, assessors will assigned and assessments made. Agents can also advise you about how to start an abatement program.
Grassroots involvement is critical for a program to work in the long run.