When Distance is applied around the fire ant mound, worker fire ants take the bait granules back to the colony where the queen and immature fire ants feed. Degeneration of the reproductive organs causes sterility in the queen and developing ants. The colony dies within three to four weeks once the remaining sterile fire ants age and die. According to Mike Riffle, Product Development Manager for Valent Professional Products, once Distance is applied, it breaks the reproductive life cycle of the fire ant, causing starvation of the colony. Within three to four weeks there is substantial colony mortality, and within eight weeks the majority of the colony population has been eliminated.
Distance works best as a broadcast application.
Apply one to 1.5 pounds per acre uniformly over the fire ant infested area. Distance may also be used as a mound treatment. Apply one to four level tablespoons, uniformly distributing material three to four feet around the fire ant mound. A repeat application may be made in 12 to 16 weeks, if needed. Amdro Pro eliminates fire ant colonies within a week when applied to individual mounds.