The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) uses two kinds of granular fire ant treatment, which have both been nationally approved. The treatment contains the active ingredient Pyriproxyfen or S-methoprene, an ingredient also found in fly spray and pet flea tablets. The product prevents the fire ant queen from producing viable and reproductive offspring and consists of small pieces of corn grit soaked in soybean oil. But, how much of the active ingredient is used to treat our land? Treating an acre of land with 809 g of fire ant treatment sounds like a lot, but just 4g of active ingredient is in that amount. That's only 0.2g of treatment per square metre, equating to just 0.001g of active ingredient per square metre.
This means it is enough to affect fire ants but too small to affect plants, animals or people.
AgForce Biosecurity Chair Ken Cunliffe reiterates:
“This shows that the active ingredient is present at very low concentrations, and as an insect growth regulator, it presents a very low toxicity risk.”
To discover what product best suits your property needs, visit Fire ant bait product guide | National Fire Ant Eradication Program or to request fire ant treatment for large properties (over 10 acres) by reporting sightings within 24 hours to the Report fire ants · Fire Ants Portal or call them on 13 25 23.
For smaller properties, free fire ant treatment kits can be claimed here 👉 Order a free fire ant treatment kit | National Fire Ant Eradication Program