The weather conditions recently experienced in the Kingsville area will result in a tremendous amount of Red Imported Fire Ant activity this spring.

Last year the unusually hot and dry weather kept mounds below the soil surface and activity appeared to be minimal.

That certainly will not be the case this year. The abundance of moisture will push fire ant mounds to the surface as temperatures begin to warm.

I suspect that control measures will be required in numerous lawns and landscapes throughout the spring and summer months.

Each year calls are received from residents looking for green strategies, or other fire ant control methods that are perceived to be environmentally friendly.

For example, grits and dishwashing detergent are two products that are mentioned each year as an environmentally friendly cure for the red imported fire ant.

Unfortunately, both are ineffective tools when it comes to eliminating the pesky fire ant. Recently, another unusual treatment surfaced and has been making the rounds on the Internet and in some gardening forums.

Club soda is being extolled as an environmentally friendly control method for fire ants in the home lawn.

Supposedly, when two cups of the fizzy liquid are poured directly into the center of a mound, the carbon dioxide in the soda displaces the oxygen, causing the ants to suffocate in about 48 hours.

It is also being mentioned that club soda leaves no toxic residue, does not contaminate ground water, will not kill beneficial insects, or harm pets.

However, it should also be mentioned that club soda has no insecticidal properties and the only way that a fire ant will die from this control method is by accidental drowning.

Research conducted by Texas AgriLife Pest Management Agents showed no evidence of any control as a result of pouring club soda onto a fire ant mound.

However, it was noted in the field trials that the bubbling action was quite impressive. It should also be noted that some carbonated beverages do contain sugars and sugary liquids will attract ants. Locally, the Texas Two Step method remains extremely effective in controlling the red imported fire ant in the home lawn.

Step one is broadcasting a bait once or twice a year over the area where control is desired. Research indicates that broadcasting a bait reduces fire ant colonies by 80 to 90 percent.

Step two is the treatment of individual nuisance mounds with a faster acting granular insecticide or a liquid drench.

Nuisance mounds are those around sidewalks, in plant beds, at the base of trees or areas were there is a great deal of human and ant contact.

Joining with neighbors and developing a neighborhood approach to treatment will reduce cost and improve control.

Want to find out more about fire ant control methods? Stop by the Extension Office and pick up publication L-5496, Fire Ant Control - The Two- Step Method and Other Approaches.