Like every state, Alabama has its official state symbols. The state bird is the yellowhammer, the camellia is our state flower, and if there was a state pest, it would be the fire ant.

While there are several species of fire ants, the red imported fire ant is the one that plagues lawns and gardens throughout Alabama.

Although the red imported fire ant is not native to Alabama, it was introduced here first. In the 1930s, a cargo ship from South America carrying infested soil as ballast docked in a seaport in Mobile. Thriving in warm, humid climates, they have spread to almost every state in the South.

Fire ants may be small, but they pack a big sting. And more often than not, it isn’t just one. Fire ants attack in large numbers, especially when their nest is disturbed. You won’t soon forget accidentally stepping into a fire ant mound and the burning stings that follow.

Fire ant mounds are fairly easy to detect being that they raise up anywhere from a few inches to a few feet above ground. What is above ground is nothing compared to what lies underneath. They build large intricate nests with tunnels that can run more than 20 feet from the mound. One colony can have over 200,000 ants, and like bees, have a queen.

To control fire ants, it is important to remember not to disturb the mound. Not only will the ants swarm out to protect their nest, they will move the queen, since she is responsible for laying the eggs to grow the colony. Like in a chess game, if you get the queen, you rule the board.

Colonies nest closer to the surface when temperatures are mild, making spring and fall the best time to begin implementing control methods. To combat fire ant mounds in lawns, the first line of defense is bait. Fire ants are most active in the morning and evening hours when they are foraging, making it the ideal time to treat the mound.

Dr. Fudd Graham, from Auburn University Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, says baits are environmentally sound, in that “the fire ants in the area generally pick up most of the bait particles in a short period of time, meaning there is minimal impact on non-pest ants.” Fire ants may be unwanted pests, but other ants are beneficial.

Following individual treatment of mounds, application of a broadcast fire ant killer will kill nests in the lawn that are contained underground and can’t be easily seen as well as keeping new mounds from forming and deterring colonies from moving back in to abandoned nests.

Long-residual broadcast insecticides are particularly suitable for high traffic areas, such as play or sitting areas, where control is most important. Unlike broadcast bait, where foraging activity is required to be effective, insecticides can be applied at any time.

As with any product, it is extremely important to follow label directions, especially if you will be treating vegetable gardens. Use only control products that specifically indicate use in vegetable or other food production sites.

Fire ant baits containing the active ingredient Spinosad are approved for vegetable gardens and many are considered an organic control. Pyriproxyfen is another vegetable safe ingredient, however, it does not kill existing adults so effective results could take several months to develop. Treat both mound and surrounding area for best results. Products containing Spinosad are also effectively used as mound drenches and can be applied near most vegetable crops.

With a regular treatment program, you can enjoy a fire ant-free property. Until next week, happy gardening.

— Irland, a member of the Limestone County Master Gardeners, can be reached at kippirland@hotmail.com. For more information on the Limestone County Master Gardeners, visit http://mg.aces.edu/limestone.