Red Fire Ant Control Approved

Red Fire Ant Populations can be controlled by using the insect's chemistry as a means to reduce pest populations.

After an extensive review, Extinguish* Professional Fire Ant Bait from Schaumburg, Illinois-based Wellmark International, has been approved by the USDA for inclusion in the fire ant quarantine program. The USDA made its announcement on October 15, 2003 and issued an effective date of November 14, 2003. "We're very pleased with the USDA's approval because this inclusion into the quarantine program offers the commercial nursery producer another tool to control fire ants," said Scott Boutilier, Wellmark International Greenhouse business manager. The active ingredient in Extinguish is (S)-Methoprene, a proven insect growth regulator that has helped provide effective pest control for more than 20 years. Fire ant workers are attracted to the bait and feed it to the queen. (S)-Methoprene impacts the queen's ability to reproduce and also affects existing larva by preventing pupation. Without reinforcements, the colony is eliminated, typically within 12 to 16 weeks. Extinguish provides complete control, without concern for rebounding or movement of the colony to another location. With no withdrawal period for pastures or cropland, it can be used around sensitive plants including: fruits, vegetables, bedding plants, flowers and trees. Wellmark International pioneered the way for biorational pest control with the invention of insect growth regulator technology over 25 years ago. For more information go to www.wellmarkinternational.com.