FireRANT

Tim Davis, fire ant suppression specialist with Clemson University, wanted to shed some light on a common question about fire ant treatment.  So here's the question of the day.

Question
Do grits really work for controlling fire ants?

Answer
The theory behind the use of grits as a fire ant management is the ants will eat the grits.  Once in the stomach the grits will swell causing the fire ant to explode.  Remember, however, fire ants do not eat solid food therefore this theory does not work.   Research plots have indeed demonstrated this method does not reduce fire ant mounds at all.  This theory may have its origin in the fact that defatted corn grit is used as a carrier for most of the fire ant bait products.

So there you have it.  Grits are not an effective way to treat for fire ants.  Fire ants do pick up granules of materials and bring it back to their colonies.  We were in New Orleans recently and watched them as they voraciously dragged bits of indoxacarb-treated granules back home.  We're certain that there are fewer fire ant mounds on Marbeau St. today.

Much thanks to Tim Davis for his contribution!