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County Impact Statements - Cleveland County
Fire Ants are Still a Large Concern for Cleveland County Residents
The invasion of the red imported fire ant and the concerns associated with
damage from these pests go beyond the homeowner. Five poultry producers agreed
to participate in a poultry house fire ant study to evaluate the effectiveness
of Extension recommendations versus conventional practices.
It is our goal at Extension to educate county residents on the latest and
best practices for controlling the imported fire ant. County demonstrations
help us to reinforce the effectiveness of our recommendations.
-Les Walz, County Extension Agent
Fire ant demonstrations are reaching the public and are affective in teaching
fire ant management. The demonstrations have already increased the awareness of
the two-step program promoted by Extension and many homeowners, businesses, and
schools are implementing this program.
The program that was used at my home by the Extension Service seems to have
worked very well this year and I plan on doing the same thing around the
church next year.
-Reverend Ron Canard, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
County Extension Agent, Les Walz (left), and poultry producer
Brad Crutchfield observe fire ant bait stations around poultry
houses for activity.
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Impacts
- Two small area (residential home and county courthouse) fire ant
demonstrations were conducted during the spring/summer of 2001.
- One large area (county fair grounds) fire ant demonstration was
conducted during the spring/summer of 2001.
- Five county poultry producers participated in a fire ant evaluation
program.
- Over 180 students and adults were educated on fire ant biology at the
Cleveland County Farm Safety Day.
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