What control methods do you recommend for fire ants?

July 30, 2021 Ask the Expert, Managing Insect, Diseases, and Animal Pests

Question:

strawberry with fireantsFire ants have moved into our yard over the past couple years. I’m hoping you might be able to recommend a control method that is safe to use in food gardens and around kids and pets. They have overrun my strawberry mound.

Answer:

Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant

Fire Ants (Myrmical rubra):

For a positive ID, it’s best to send some samples to our Pest Management office in Orono. Here’s where you can find the forms and instructions for mailing, How to Send an Insect Sample.