Texas Gardening: Fire Ants: Any suggestions?, 1 by chuck7701

chuck7701 wrote:
Why keep messing with different things for fire ants. The new insecticide Spinosad is an organic based product. The marketing name Conserve, and there may be others is a great product. I have not tried it yet, but Texas A&M recommends it. May have to look around for availability. I do know Amdro broadcast sparingly under the right conditions for a heavy infestation is a sure thing.

For snails, slugs and sometimes Roly Polys, any iron phosphate product is great. Sluggo is the most common name, but some other products contain it and it's cheaper. Iron phosphate is a naturally occurring product in the soil, just not in high enough quantity to be effective. Totally safe around kids and pets versus toxic Metaldehyde in common slug and snail baits. Takes about 3-5 days to kill the pests, interferes with the digestive system and they literally starve to death. Before dark wet the areas to be treated to draw them out, then broadcast it.

in spring I may do two light treatments within 5-7 days, and followup when I notice damage or see them again. Lasts a month or more, depending on the initial infestation. I suggest a heavy first application on your yard and ten feet into your neighbors the first time you use it. After your first treatment, any eggs take about 2-3 weeks to mature, so treat again in 3 weeks. Once your program is in place, you'll have it under control. I only had to treat once last summer. I bought a 25 pound bag online that was 50% cheaper per pound, but it lasted me 4-5 years.

Household vinegar (3-5% acidity) is often to weak to kill tougher weeds. What is recommended is the agricultural vinegar - about 20% acidity sprayed on when the sun is beating down on the weeds. Works best on sidewalks, bricks, cracks, etc., but be careful when spraying around other plants or grass.

The best weed removing tool is a plain old serrated stainless knife with a big handle. The cheap $2.50 variety. Don't pull weeds, slice em out. Angle the blade below the cambium growth at the soil line and slice - then lift them out. Works especially well on rye grass, dandelions and tough summer weeds. No effort, no holes, great exercise - alternating knee bends, and cull your whole yard in minutes.

Chuck

This message was edited Mar 18, 2009 10:00 AM