I would not worry about the dogs. A dog would have to eat a LOT of the poison to harm themselves.

And honestly, once a dog steps into a fire ant mound once, they are usually bright enough not to repeat the experience!

http://www.extension.org/pages/34815/are-fire-ant-baits-toxic-to-humans-and-pets

More info:
http://www.extension.org/fire_ants

Amy, welcome to Alabama! I clearly remember my first introduction to fire ants....I had a severe reaction but my sensitivity went away with time. Maybe yours will, too.

Of course, you don't want to expose your children or pets to toxic poisons! And fire ants often climb aboard an animal or person in large numbers, stinging only when a bunch are present.

Fire ants are best controlled with a product labeled as a bait. In my experience, the best bait for fire ants is Amdro. When used properly, it poses little problem for anyone but the ants.

You can do a mound by mound treatment, which is what I would recommend for homeowner yards. Sprinkle a small amount of the granules around the perimeter of the mound.....gently, please. You do not want to disturb or rile them. In a minute or two, the granules will be discovered and pretty soon every little tidbit will be gone, taken into the nest chambers where the poison will be fed to larvae and even the queen.

For Amdro to work, you need to apply it when the ants are active and you must be careful to not disturb the colony. If fire anfs are disturbed.....they move to another location in your yard.

Do not over apply the product, more is not better. It should disappear into the mound in just a few moments. It does not work immediately, as it has tk be fed to the population. But it is very very effective.

Keep children and pets away from the Amdro. It is a poisonous material, even though it doesn't look or smell like it. Amdro should not be used around edible plants. Just read and follow the directions on the label.

There are "organic " baits, as well. Might not be as effective (from what had been reported to me), but can be used in a veggie garden.

Don't buy any more Amdro than you'll use in one season. It loses its effectiveness in storage after opening. I keep mine in a laundry room cupboard, not in a hot garage or shed.

I'd avoid insecticides that are not baits. Fire ant nests are very complex and extensive. Contact poisons just can't work.

My final advice is to purchase a container of granulated Adolphs meat tenderizer (not flavored) . When applied to a recent sting as a paste, it takes away the firey sting and prevents the itching and formation of the little pustule that shows up in a day or two. If I'm in the gardens, I have the Adolphs with me. It works on any kind of insect sting or spidef bite. Mosquitoes, too! Gotta catch it early though.

Duplicate

This post was edited by rhizo_1 on Sun, Apr 6, 14 at 15:43