Last Updated:May 08. 2008 11:02PM
Published: May 09. 2008 3:30AM

Now that warm weather has returned, so have insects that can cause problems in homes and lawns. TimesDaily Staff Writer Dennis Sherer talked to Tim Reed, Franklin County coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, about some pests and how to control them.

Q: A lot of fire ant mounds are popping up in area lawns. How can these pests, known for their painful bite, be

controlled?

A: For mounds that appear near homes, on playgrounds and other areas where fast control is desired, a liquid drench pesticide that can be poured onto the mound can be used. There are numerous drench-style pesticides on the market that are labeled for use on fire ant mounds.

For mounds in areas where rapid control is not required, a bait-style insecticide that is sprinkled on the mound works well. The bait-style insecticides should only be used on warm days when the ants are active.

Fire ants are best controlled when a combination of drench and bait-style pesticides are used.

Q: What about ants inside a home?

A: Argentine ants and other small ants tend to be more of a problem inside homes when the weather is wet as it has been in this area recently. The best way to control these ants is to use one of the many bait-style pesticides that are readily available at department stores, garden supply stores and other retailers.

Q: What is the best way to control fleas inside a home?

A: Unfortunately, fleas inside a home can be extremely difficult to control. Fleas have developed a resistance to many of the pesticides available to homeowners. If a flea problem persists after using a consumer pesticide, a professional exterminator will be needed.

Q: A lot of tent caterpillar nests are appearing in trees around the area. How can these pests that build the nests that appears to be woven from white thread be controlled?

A: Numerous pesticides are available that can be sprayed onto the nests and kill the caterpillars. Another way to control them is to attach a rag to a long pole, light the rag, and use the fire to destroy the caterpillar and their nests. Fire should never be used for caterpillar control when the weather is extremely dry or windy.

Q: What about other home and garden pests. Where can residents obtain information on how to control them?

A: Local extension system offices have publications and other information about controlling insect pests around homes and gardens. Extension system agents can answer pest control questions.

Information about pest control is available at the extension system Web site at aces.edu.

Dennis Sherer can be reached at 740-5746 or dennis.sherer@timesdaily.com.

Q: Any safety tips for using pesticides around homes?

A: Always read the label and use the pesticide in accordance with those directions. Pesticides should never be used for any purpose other than those listed on the container label.