The Threats Fire Ants Pose to Almond Orchards

It's more important than ever that almond orchards are kept in peak condition, without any threat to production -- that means proactive ant protection. Let's take a look at the unique threats ants pose to almonds, and how to effectively protect against them.

Ants in Almond Orchards

While fire ants are often associated with their painful and dangerous stings, these invasive pests are also notorious for their ability to destroy almond crops. After harvest, they move into the orchards and begin to feed on fallen nuts, often damaging the kernels inside.

Fire ant infestations tend to peak as the hulls of almonds begin to split open, making it easy for fire ants to access the nuts. They not only feast on the seed but also establish large colonies in the soil, impacting the day-to-day work of growing and harvesting. The presence of fire ant mounds in orchards can also disrupt irrigation systems, damage equipment, and make it harder for workers to tend to the orchards effectively. The quicker fire ants are dealt with, the less likely they are to cause extensive damage.

The Role of Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait in Protecting Almond Orchards

To combat the threat of fire ants, almond producers need a proactive, effective and long-lasting solution. Central Life Sciences offers the answer to control problem fire ant colonies in almond orchards with the effective, economical Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait.

This versatile solution:

  • Contains (S)-methoprene, an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), which affects the queen's reproductive ability.
  • Stops young colonies from developing into problem colonies.
  • Controls and eliminates colonies---without mound movement.
  • Has no aquatic setback.
  • Controls southern (California) fire ants, pavement ants and red imported fire ants
  • Approved for ALL CROPS
  • A usage rate of 1-1.5 lbs. per acre
  • Available in economical 25 lb. bags
  • Easy flow application/no bridging, with our corn grit based product

By eliminating the queen and interrupting the colony's growth, Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait significantly reduces the number of ants in the grove. The bait's slow-acting formula ensures that the ants will carry it back to the nest, spreading it through the colony, leading to its eventual collapse. Application is recommended 4-6 weeks before nuts drop from the trees. Reduction in colony size can be seen beginning at 3 weeks with colony elimination within 8 to 10 weeks.