There are many ways to manage red imported fire ants in urban areas. Here we present two options: Evenly distribute baits or granular contact insecticides throughout your yard.

This article explains the correct method for applying fire ant bait in the community for maximum control.

This interactive and fun quiz will challenge your knowledge of Red Imported Fire Ants.

This poster addresses where Argentine Ants are found in Louisiana, as well as cost-effective ways to control them.

This poster discusses background of Argentine Ants, baits that are cheap and effective for indoor use, and outdoor ant control.

This poster discusses natural feeding preferences, adapted feeding preferences and feeding strategies of the Argentine Ant.

Stepping outdoors was like being under attack for one homeowner. Fire ants were everywhere in her yard. Her sister’s pasture also was under siege. So they turned to an LSU AgCenter entomologist for help. (Runtime: 1 minute, 47 seconds)

The public can order any fire ant bait through local hardware stores, nurseries or coop/feed stores.

Fire ants may be an indoor problem during the dry season as they search for water and food. The mounds move below the surface but they will still forage for food during the cooler times of the day.

Map showing parishes that have a spreader available for use in area wide application of fire ant baits. Listing of locations by parish that have implemented the area wide program.

The destructive force of tidal surges from hurricanes Katrina and Rita at least had one benefit – controlling fire ants, according to researchers from the LSU AgCenter. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Hooper-Bui recently said field surveys in the area of Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Orleans parishes area after Hurricane Katrina and in Southwest Louisiana after Hurricane Rita showed the fire ant population was far below normal in areas flooded by storm surge.

Red imported fire ants are not just a nuisance. They pose a health threat to many individuals allergic to their sting. LSU AgCenter entomologists are working to control these pests.

Properly identifying the ant species is the first step in determining whether and how to control them. In this publication there are options for managing various kinds of imported fire ant problems.

This article encourages people to begin to organize their community-wide fire ant management day for launch in mid-April

Identification, biology and treatment of pavement ants

Identification, biology, and treatment of Little Black Ants.

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in worker size are indicative of social form for Solenopsis invicta colonies in Louisiana.

This table indicates the amount of bait in ounces and tablespoons needed per square foot for effective control of fire ants.

A Southern IPM Center publication. When choosing a broadcast bait to control imported fire ants, consumers and professional pesticide applicators face a confusing array of brand names and active ingredients with varying product performances. This guide addresses common concerns about broadcast baits to help consumers and professionals choose products that best fit their needs and situations.

This poster discusses the specific characteristics used to identify Argentine Ants.

Identification, biology and treatment of the elongate twig ant.

Identification, biology and treatment of the crazy ant in structures.

LSU AgCenter scientists are studying whether an influx of fire ants may have caused a decline in northern bobwhite quail numbers in Louisiana and other southern states.

Argentine ants have been reported in a few isolated areas in Louisiana. These ants are different from fire ants in appearance, nesting habits and behavior. These differences make control efforts different as well.

This is the first issue of a newsletter intended to communicate new information and recommendations for fire ant management and other ant problems in Louisiana. This issue focuses on current methods for community-wide fire ant control.

Ants range from mildly to highly annoying. Knowing the species, biology and control can help you manage them. This is a useful reference for pest management professionals, extension personnel and homeowners. A key to ants, color photographs, diagrams and a glossary are included. Spiral bound copies are available for $10 each. To purchase using a check, use the pdf order form. To purchase with a credit card, click on "order publication."

Fire Ants move long distances through the transport of potted plants, soil and sod. Fire ants spread by producing new queens and colony movement from unacceptable site due to flooding or other disturbances.

All fire ant baits work very well when applied according to the label instructions. The way a fire ant bait works depends on the active ingredient in the bait.

The red imported fire ant, a Louisiana resident since the early 1950s, can be a painful pest or a beneficial friend. Depending on your situation, you may want to manage these ants or simply let them go about their helpful way. Eradication vs. management of the fire ant is discussed in this fact sheet.

The Argentine ant, an exotic species brought to New Orleans from South America in the late 1800s, is found throughout the state after being transported in nursery stock and by cars, boats and RVs. Their huge colonies, with millions of workers and hundreds of queens, extend for miles. Identifying characteristics, areawide management and cultural controls incuded.

Linepithema humile (Mayr), the Argentine ant, is an important invasive species that has great impact on agriculture, urban and natural environments worldwide. This poster discusses the basic nest biology and structure of the Argentine Ants.

This poster addresses habitat preferences and where Argentine ants can be found.

Identification and biology of the Elongate Isopod-eating Ant Leptogenys elongata.

A complete list of all ant species found in Louisiana. The link to the Ant Web at the bottom of the table gives information on the different species of ants of Louisiana.

The identification and biology of the army ant, Labidus coecus.

Identification, biology and treatment of the Pharaoh Ant

Big-headed ants are small to large ants (2-8mm) that appear to have many sizes.

Acrobat ants, Crematogaster spp., are small (2-4mm), ants that appear to be all the same size.) The abdomen is heart-shaped when viewed from above, (and) the heads are round.

Identification, biology and treatment of Cardiocondyla nuda.

Fire ants can be a serious problem after hurricanes – particularly in flooded areas, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.