Reducing the nuisance of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) in the Waverly Acres Airpark Community

In 2013 a demonstration was begun to reduce the nuisance of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) in the Waverly Acres Airpark Community, New Waverly, TX, and on the community’s 4000 foot Bermuda grass sod runway used for light aircraft.  The presence of fire ant mounds on the Bermuda grass runway (> 100 mounds per acre initially observed on 6/4/2013) makes for a very uneven surface for these single engine light aircraft and pose a nuisance when landing or taking off.  Spring and fall applications of the fire ant bait, Extinguish® Plus at a rate of 1.5 pound product/acre was broadcast throughout out the Waverly Acres Airpark Community. The baiting program was a success.  Eight weeks after broadcasting the fire ant bait in early summer (6/14/13) greater than 90% reduction in observable fire ant mounds was recorded and 6 months (8/8/13) after treatment greater than 80% reduction was still observed. Twelve weeks (12/18/13) after the fall fire ant bait application (9/27/13), greater than a 95% reduction in fire ant mound activity was observed based on initial observations. Evaluations conducted in August (8/15/14) showed a 98% reduction of active mounds after the spring (6/4/14) baiting event, and a fire ant activity assessment taken on 6/10/15, after a 9/26/14 application of a fire ant bait product, indicated fire ant mound activity is remaining at a low level with < 5 mounds per acre observed. Residents were completely satisfied with the effort as reflected in a fall survey where 100% of the residents replied that the fire ant management effort promoted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service had a positive impact on the community.  The Waverly Acres Property Owners Association now budgets for a spring and fall application of a fire ant bait product throughout the community for the continued reduction of the nuisance of the fire ant.