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Homeowners may find themselves spending more time outside this month, whether it's dealing with the lawn or being at the poolside. Whatever the activity, it's important to be aware of pests that may cause harm to you and your family.
Most people who have spent any time in their yard or garden have had some experience with fire ants, whether it's being stung by one (or many!) or trying to get rid of them. The Texas Cooperative Extension has a thorough guide on handling fire ants called "The Texas Two-Step Method." Specifically designed to give control of red imported fire ants in larger lawns and even to entire neighborhoods, this method poses little risk for humans and pets.
Texas Two-Step Method
The Two-Step Method begins with spreading fire ant bait over the entire lawn. When fire ants collect these baits, they carry it with them to all colonies in the yard which are shared among the fire ants in their underground nests. Baits contain food combined with a slow-acting insecticide. Baits can be extremely effective since it is the ants who deliver the insecticide themselves to the colony. Baits work best when applied lightly over the entire yard or area where treatment is needed. This controls both visible and hidden fire ant nests.
Two types of spreaders can be used to broadcast baits - the best type to use depends on the kind of bait chosen. Baits designed to be applied at rates of one to one and a half pounds per acre can be put out using a hand-held seed spreader. Set the spreader to the smallest setting. One pass over the area to be treated is generally sufficient, as the amounts to be applied are very low, usually less than a half of a pound over a whole residential lawn. Some products are specially formulated to be put out at higher rates using a standard, push-type fertilizer spreader. Read the label for the product you choose to determine the best type of spreader to use.
Baits are meant to work long term and do not kill fire ants overnight. Look for products containing fipronil, hydramethylnon, and methoprene - these work the fastest and can control fire ants within two to four weeks.
It is important to apply baits at the right time. Baits should only be applied while fire ants are actively searching for food. If applied during this time, the ants will naturally take the baits back to their colony and underground nests within a few hours. In Texas, the best time to bait is between May and September. Fire ants usually forage when soil surface temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Baits should also NOT be applied when any precipitation is expected within the hour or if it is raining at the time of application.
The second step of the Two-Step Method is to directly treat any ant colony that needs immediate control. Applying an insecticide or other treatment directly to a fire ant mound is the fastest way to get rid of most fire ant colonies. Use Step 2 treatments for mounds near house foundation, in high-traffic areas or other areas where you want treated quickly, since broadcast bait treatments provide slower control over most of the fire ants in the yard. Some Step 2 treatment options include:
* Granular products, which contain an insecticide that releases into the soil when water is applied. Sprinkle the recommended amount of insecticide on top and around the mound. Most products should then be watered into the mound with at least one to two gallons of water. A sprinkling can is best for gently washing chemicals into the nest without washing the granules off the mound. Do not use a hose for this purpose.
* Liquid concentrates, which are mixed with water and applied to a mound. As with granules, always use one to two gallons of water per mound to get enough solution deep into the nest where the queen lives.
* Insecticide dusts, which are designed to be sprinkled lightly over the entire mound. Avoid disturbing the mound during the application, as this can disturb and disperse the ants. It's best to keep children and pets away from treated mounds until the dust is gone.
ALWAYS follow the product label when using an insecticide of any kind!
(Source: Texas Cooperative Extension)
Occasional invaders
There are some pests that may not creep up until you least expect it. Scorpions and centipedes, while not as common or large in number as fire ants (hopefully!) can be of concern to homeowners.
Scorpions
During the hot summer days, scorpions may find refuge in the home, moving from attics (where they are usually found) into living areas to escape high temperatures in attics.
Not only can scorpion stings be painful, but can sometimes prove to be fatal. However, of 1,500 species of scorpions worldwide, only about 20 to 25 are regarded as dangerous. Stings from Texas scorpions produce only moderate reactions in most people, because these scorpions' poison has little effect on the nervous system. Severity of a sting depends on the type of scorpion and the victim's reaction to the scorpion's venom, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. An ice pack can provide some relief, but if swelling and or pain continues, or if breathing difficulties occur, medical assistance should be called for immediately.
Controlling Scorpions
There are many things you can do to prevent scorpions from creeping into your home. Keep in mind the following rules of thumb for controlling and preventing scorpions:
* Remove all trash, logs, boards, stones, bricks and other objects from around the home.
* Keep grass closely mowed near the home. Prune bushes and overhanging tree branches away from the house, because tree branches can provide a path to the roof for scorpions.
* Store garbage containers in a frame that keeps them above ground level.
* Never bring firewood inside the house unless it is placed directly onto the fire.
* Install weather-stripping around loose-fitting doors and windows.
* Plug weep holes in brick veneer homes with steel wool, pieces of nylon scouring pad or small squares of screen wire.
* Caulk around roof eaves, pipes and any other cracks leading into the home.
* Keep window screens in good repair. Make sure they fit tightly in the window frame.
(Source: Texas Cooperative Extension)
Centipedes
Unlike scorpions, centipedes pose no danger to humans, pets, and plants. Larger species of centipedes may have painful bites, but generally, centipedes are more of an annoyance for homeowners than anything else.
Centipedes have long, segmented bodies connected to a head that has one pair of antennae. Most centipedes found in Texas are of the smaller variety, but large centipedes can measure up to nine inches
House centipedes are actually considered beneficial because they eat insects, but most people consider them to be nuisance pests. These centipedes live in damp and moist places such as bathrooms, closets, or areas underneath homes. This species of centipede reaches about one to one and a half inches in length and has fifteen pairs of long, slender legs.
Control measures to prevent centipedes from invading your home include:
* Move harborage (such as compost piles, firewood and stones) away from structures.
* Create a band of gravel or similar material between the house foundation and any flower beds that touch the structure.
* For flower beds against the home, occasionally turn mulch to allow it to dry out.
* Seal any accessible areas that could allow centipedes and millipedes to move into the house. Check seals around doors and windows as well as pipe penetrations for any access points.
* Properly ventilate crawl spaces or other areas under the home to allow air flow through these areas.
* Plug weep holes in brick veneer homes with steel wool, pieces of nylon scouring pad or small squares of screen wire.
* Most of the suggestions made above for scorpions are applicable here, too.
(Source: Texas Cooperative Extension)
No matter whether you are dealing with fire ants, scorpions, or centipedes, the important things to consider are your safety and effect on the environment. The Texas Cooperative Extension recommends the following general tips for dealing with insects and other pests this month:
* Never use gasoline or other petroleum products to control fire ants! Although gasoline kills fire ants, it is highly flammable and dangerous to you and the environment.
* Don't leave insecticide granules on streets or sidewalks after application Sweep up any excess product so that it won't wash into storm sewers or be mistaken for food by wild birds.
* When using and disposing of pesticides, follow the directions on the label. Never pour pesticide leftovers down the drain, as they are not easily removed by standard wastewater treatment. Pesticides can easily contaminate streams and endanger fish and other life. Try to use all the pesticide in a container before discarding it.
Fran Phalin is a freelance writer and editor specializing in home improvement topics. She is based in Austin, TX.She has worked with Anteater Pest for tips on how to handle pests and occasional invaders in the home, especially summertime pests!
If you need assistance with getting rid of pests in your home, please visit ABC Pest Control.
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