 A sound fire ant management plan will probably use more than one method to manage fire ants. In this particular method, baits are first broadcast in the area. After a minimum of three days, which allows the ants to feed the active ingredient to the queen, the most annoying mounds are treated with a contact insecticide to kill the workers. In newly infested areas where imported fire ants occur in a small geographic area, it may be possible to eliminate imported fire ants. However, in the southeastern United States or other large areas of infestation, there is no such thing as permanent fire ant control. This is because winged fire ant queens are always looking for a new place to start a colony. No product will prevent the ants from reinfesting the area. However, we can make fire ants easier to live with by developing an appropriate fire ant management plan. More information on fire ant management is available from your regional or county extension agent or visit imported fire ant e-extension or the website of your local land grant university.