Fire Ant Bites at Top of Parent's Worry List

MONTVALE, NJ (April 20, 2005) – Throughout the south, parents are more worried about their children getting stung by fire ants than they are about bicycle accidents or water-related accidents, a recent survey shows. In fact, in severely infested states, such as Texas and Florida, the number of family members stung is nearly 57 percent. In exasperation, Southerners are soaking them in gasoline, smothering them in grits, and setting them on fire, but still they're not getting rid of fire ants.

In November 2004, Bayer Environmental Science, manufacturer of TopChoice™ granular insecticide, contracted with Matthew Greenwald & Associates of Washington, D.C. to poll 1,000 Southern U.S. adults on their experience with fire ants.

More than a third (38 percent) reported resorting to these and other harsh, yet ineffective means to eradicate the fire ants, a fight that 85 percent of those surveyed say they are actively engaged in. Even those who reported using conventional methods of fire ant control such as baits and insecticides said that 65 percent of treatments provided relief for less than three months.

"Fire Ant Focus 2004," the first survey of its type, found that 44 percent of Southern homeowners say least one family member has been stung in the past year, a significant risk, considering that 10-15 percent of people in the general population can experience a severe localized allergic reaction to a sting, and as many as two percent may experience a systemic allergic reaction, which in rare cases results in death.

"It's clear that Southerners are desperate for solutions to a recurring problem," said Dr. Nate Royalty, entomologist with Bayer. "In addition to the inconvenience, fire ants pose a significant health threat. They are aggressive and can attack very quickly. If you think you have a fire ant problem in your yard, it is best to contact a lawn care or pest management professional. It is best not to take risks with fire ants, especially if your children or pets are allergic to their venom."

For those looking to prevent fire ants from appearing on their property, TopChoice, a professionally applied product, offers a proactive approach of fire ant control, by not only eliminating existing mounds, but also preventing any new mounds for a full year.