Fire ants everywhere!

Discussion in 'Plant Pests, Diseases and Weeds' started by KSD75, Apr 29, 2008.

  1. KSD75

    KSD75 New Seed

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    They are everywhere in my garden all of the sudden. I've tried diatomaceous earth with very little result. Someone has suggested coffee grounds and that worked for a day, but then they'd just move over a bit. I tried cornmeal (another suggestion from someone) and noticed nothing.

    They're eating my lettuce and biting me when I try to work in the garden. I have awful histamine reactions to fire ant bites, so it's not pleasant.

    Is there some way I can destroy them without harming my vegetables? No chemicals if I can avoid it...I have pets.
     
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  3. glendann

    glendann Official Garden Angel

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    KSD75 I have them really bad too.I gave up and went to WalMarts and bought the fireant poison for yard and garden.It cost almost $20.00 .It has helped some.Do you live in Texas?
     
  4. Griphook

    Griphook Seedling

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    Try putting grits or even dry rice on the hills.
     
  5. StarLiteFarms

    StarLiteFarms Seedling

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    Sulfer works for getting rid of lots of different bugs. Maybe try this idea? They do have some that doesnt smell as much as other sulfer products too.. let us know what ya use and if it works :)
    I hope you dont get bit anymore!!
     



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  6. budagardener

    budagardener Seedling

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    I also had some problems with fireants...HUGE hills. I applied the cornmeal around the mound and it disappeared in a couple days little by little....I did observe them carrying the meal. It took some time and a couple applications, but it apparently does not really do much until they drink and explode. The ants did move, but after a couple moves, it really seemed to work. They are not in my front yard at all anymore.

    I did have to resort to the chemical method in the backyard because of the fear of them biting the dogs.

    I know how frustrating they can be, and also what it feels like to have them on the entire bare foot biting away! The blisters are terrible and painful.

    Good luck in the fight KSD75.
     
  7. KSD75

    KSD75 New Seed

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    Thanks everyone.

    I think I'll try the cornmeal again. It's been awful wet around here lately and maybe that was part of the reason it didn't work the first time.
     
  8. Purpura

    Purpura New Seed

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    ants are a pain but they kill and clean up alot
    I hear they kill ticks....unsure

    if you have all your flower beds raised and low spots in your yard
    guess what the ants will choose
    add sand to low spots
    or make your yard a bog :)

    also i used rice to try and kill them before
    it swells up
     

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