North Carolina’s red imported fire ant infestation continues to expand, partially as a result of recent mild winters but more recently due to increased residential and industrial development and subsequent introductions of fire ants in infested sod and nursery stock.
History
Red imported fire ants were first discovered in North Carolina in 1952 in ornamental nursery plants in both Wake and Mecklenburg Counties. These initial introductions were eradicated. No further introductions were found until 1957 when they were found in Brunswick County. This introduction was able to become established and began to spread. Red imported fire ants can now be found in all or part of 56 counties in North Carolina.
General Control Measures
Watch this VIDEO discussing the red imported fire ant and suggestions for suitable control methods.
Site-specific Control Measures
- Red Imported Fire Ants In North Carolina – General information including affected areas, commercial and public impacts, biology, and managing fire ants using Integrated Pest Management techniques both chemical and non-chemical methods.
- Fire Ant Management in Pastures – information on managing fire ants in pastures and forages
- Fire Ant Management in Horse Operations – managing fire ants in horse operations including pastures, barns and paddocks, and other non-grazed areas
- Managing Fire Ants in Your Yard – managing fire ants in the home landscape including a short video on methods that can be used
- Fire Ant Chemical Chooser – For professionals who make recommendations for chemicals that can be used in different locations, this site has may prove to be helpful.