Fire ants in the south have now exploded following the heavy rains. Here's the  updated 3-Step Organic Program that works to control this man-made problem.

1.  Treat the site.  Apply beneficial nematodes. These are living organisms and must be used before the expiration date and/or before they die in the package. They will also control other insect pests in the soil. The alternative is to apply dry molasses at 20 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.

2.  Drench mounds with the mound drench formula. The concentrate is 1/3 orange oil, 1/3 liquid molasses, and 1/3 compost tea. Mix 4 - 6 oz. of the concentrate per gallon of water and pour straight into the center of mounds. It doesn't repel, it kills. Commercial products are available. Another method is to add 2 oz. of orange oil to the Garrett Juice ready-to-use mixture.

3.  Go organic and use the entire Basic Program. The biodiversity of  microbes, insects and other animals is the long term control. 

Newsletter 10/09