View Poster Application

FIRE ANT CONTROL DEMONSTRATION AT AMERICAN VILLAGE

Extension Education

Bethany O'Rear
REGIONAL EXTENSION AGENT
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
BIRMINGHAM

Abstract

Fire Ant Control Demonstration at American Village


 


O’Rear, B. A.*1, Colquitt, R.,2 Flanders, K.,3


 


 


1Regional Commercial/Home Grounds Horticulture Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Birmingham, AL  35223


2 County Coordinator, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Columbiana, AL 35051


3Extension Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn, AL  36849


 


The American Village, located in Montevallo, is an educational institution that receives thousands of guests on an annual basis.  Due to the immense popularity of this venue, public health concerns must be recognized and addressed quickly.


Historically, fire ant control has been quite a challenge at this 70-acre site.  In 2013, the facilities department reached out to local Extension staff to develop a strategy to address this ever-increasing public nuisance.


After a site assessment, an application of fire ant bait was chosen as the control measure of choice. To determine the effectiveness of this method, pre-treatment mound counts were taken on four ¼ acre plots.  Eight weeks later, bait applications were made.  The products used were Extinguish Plus® (3 plots) and Amdro® (1 plot).  Post-treatment mound counts were taken eight weeks after the bait was applied to allow for maximum product efficacy.


The number of mounds per plot was significantly reduced in all plots.  Additionally, the number of ants per plot decreased drastically.


American Village administrators were thrilled with the initial results, and continue to see extremely effective control using the bait application method.  According to one staff member, “We now know how to consistently keep our ant population under control.”

\r\n

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: B.A. O'rear
  1. O'rear, B. REGIONAL EXTENSION AGENT, ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM, Alabama, 35223