Halifax Regional Municipality(HRM), which includes Halifax and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, has identified pockets of infestation by European Fire Ants. HRM has a municipal ban of residental pesticides, and although these ant infestations do not fall under that ban we are trying to find ways to help homeowners and others who are being affected to find sustainable ways to mitigate the spread of these ants as well as enable homeowners to enjoy their yards this summer. If anyone can offer any research or methods that are proven or not we are looking for any and all information that may be available. These ants are causing severe allergic reactions in some with sensitivities and general discomfort with their stings and bites as well when nests or active areas are disturbed. Dogs, cats, children and homeowners affected.
Lisa Privett
Program Officer
Clean Nova Scotia
Canada
Research or Information on Sustainable Methods of Dealing with European Fire Ants
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Hi and Micheline,
Because European Fire Ants do not have distinct mounds, it is very difficult to control them with any material. Also, borax and other borate materials and diatomaceous earth are also toxic chemicals and must be used with care. Just because a product is not synthetic does not mean it is non-toxic or even less toxic than a synthetic product. Both are broad spectrum and will take out non-target ants and other insects. Borax and borates are fairly high in toxicity to infants: See U.S. Forest Service Fact Sheet at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/spf/publications/pesticide/references/USDA_FS_1995.pdf.
It says:
· Reproduction: In a three generation feeding study in rats, adverse reproductive effects were seen when the feed contained 1.03% borax. The reproductive organs in males and females were affected. Fertility was reduced.
VI. Human Health Effects
Acute toxicity (poisoning):
Reported effects: Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and
abdominal pain. In children, swallowing 5 to 10 grams can cause shockand death. Borax is rapidly absorbed through damaged skin.
Chronic toxicity:
Reported effects: Chronic exposure to borax caused chronic eczema in industrial
workers. Workers chronically exposed to borax dust developed respiratory irritation.
Symptoms of chronic poisoning include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, digestive disturbances, and a rash.
Gary Fish
Manager, Pesticide Programs
Maine Board of Pesticides Control
United States
http://www.YardScaping.org
Hi Lisa, I don't know if we've had the priviledge to speak before. I'm a consultant to many municipalities on issues pertaining to alternative to synthetic pesticides and have written a book on the subject (Le guide complet des pesticides à faible impact). Although I haven't worked with fire ants, most ants can be controlled using diatomaceous earth (contact-dehydration) sprinkled ont the mounds and on their paths and of course borax (mixed with a sweet attractant such as peanut butter , jelly or liquid sugar) A good commercial mix is Safer's Attack witch you probably already know. Now how borax works is taht it needs to be eaten by scoutting ants and taken back to nest to feed the queen and workers, if you keep at it for a few weeks, the whole colony will be decimated. Just keep putting fresh borax mixture into the traps so they dont run out and you may have to move them around so ants continue to go back and feed as they will start figuring out that this food should be avoided.
Hope this helps, I'll keep an eye out for more specific info. Good luck.
Micheline Levesque
agronomist and biologist
SAE
Canada
www.saenviro.com
Lisa,
The University of Maine has been doing a lot of research on those ants. The contacts are:
Dr. Eleanor Groden & Dr. Francis A. Drummond
University of Maine
306 Deering Hall
University of Maine
Orono, ME 4469
(207) 581-2989
(207) 581-2969
[email protected]
Gary Fish
Manager, Pesticide Programs
Maine Board of Pesticides Control
United States
http://www.YardScaping.org
Thank you all for some great direction, most of these methods we have already been implementing into our education, but it's good to know we are on a right path in that regard.
Micheline, is your book availible in english??
Lisa Privett
Program Coordinator
Clean Nova Scotia
Canada