What Chemicals Kill Fire Ants?
Fire ants are a nuisance to many homeowners and can be difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several chemicals that can be used to kill fire ants and prevent them from returning.
Insecticides
The most common chemical used to kill fire ants is an insecticide. Insecticides come in both liquid and granular forms, and they work by killing the ants on contact or by disrupting their nervous systems. Common active ingredients in insecticides include bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, permethrin, and spinosad. These products should be applied according to the instructions on the label.
Bait Products
Another type of chemical used to kill fire ants is bait products. These products contain an active ingredient that attracts the ants and then kills them when they ingest it. Common active ingredients in bait products include abamectin, hydramethylnon, and fipronil. Bait products should be applied according to the instructions on the label.
Other Methods
In addition to chemical treatments, there are other methods for controlling fire ants. These include physical removal of ant mounds, flooding ant mounds with water, and using natural predators such as parasitic nematodes or phorid flies.