Includes
Big headed ant (Pheidole megacephala)
Pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum)
Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta)
Pest description and crop damage Species vary in size (between 0.094 and 0.236 inches) and may be red, orange, brown or black in color. Damage to crops is primarily by consuming developing seeds, roots or tubers. Ants may also damage irrigation lines and electrical wiring at field sites.
Management-chemical control
pyriproxyfen (Reemit 0.5 G Fire Ant Bait) at 1.5 to 2 lb/A (0.0075 to 0.010 lb ai/A). PHI 0 days. REI 12 hr. Apply Reemit 0.5 G Fire Ant Bait in the early spring or summer at the first sign of ant activity. Applications may be made any time of the day but are more effective when ants are actively foraging, usually when the soil temperature is above 60°F. Avoid application if rain is expected within 4 to 6 hours. Repeat application after 12 to 16 weeks if necessary. Do not exceed 0.134 lb ai/A pyriproxyfen per season.