There are about 200 different species of fire ants, one is considered invasive and aggressive. Red Fire Ants were accidentally brought to the USA by a ship from South America in the 1920s. Today they often are transported in baled hay or during floods as whole colonies can float during flooding. As a result, Red Fire Ants that have spread across the South are now turning up on both the West and East coasts.
Red Fire Ants have become a widespread ecosystem problem in Louisiana. They often become the dominant ant species because of their aggressive foraging behavior, high reproductive rate, and lack of predators. These ants are known to displace and often eliminate native species that nest on the ground such as lizards and frogs, even small mammals, birds, and bees are not safe from Red Fire Ants.
The Red Fire Ant is a slender ant identified by its chestnut brown to red color and extremely aggressive behavior. Their name, “fire ant,” refers to their bright color and their sting, which causes a burning sensation. Found in open areas, the nests look like small soft dirt hills with no visible entrance. The nests can run 6 feet underground with underground entry and exit points.
To kill an entire Red Fire Ant nest, use an all-natural pesticide (better than chemical pesticides because it does not harm humans or animals). To make this natural pesticide start with a concentrated natural fertilizer called Garrett Juice. Howard Garrett (aka Dirt Doctor), a natural organic expert, created this recipe. In 1 gallon of water add 1 cup of compost tea (1:1 ratio of compost and unchlorinated water) 1 ounce of molasses, 1 ounce apple cider vinegar, 1 ounce liquid seaweed. This recipe can be used as a fertilizer by diluting 6 ounces of this mixture with 1 gallon of water and sprayed on foliage or poured on soil.
To turn this natural fertilizer into a natural pesticide, take 1 gallon of water and add 6 ounces of Garrett Juice fertilizer and 2 ounces of orange oil. Mix well and pour into a watering can that has an open spout. Pour a straight stream in the center of the fire ant mound and when it is full pour the remaining mixture around the top of the mound. This will kill the ants and the queen.
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Eliminate Red Fire Ants without using chemicals
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