I would like to share several questions received at the Caldwell Extension Center this week, along with their respective answers, which I believe will be of interest to readers.
Q: How can I control fire ants without harming my chickens?
A: Fire ant baits are great for controlling fire ants. Typically, I recommend fire ant baits because they are inexpensive, effective, and easy to apply. However, baits and backyard chickens are not a good combination. Chickens or other backyard foul should not be allowed access to areas where fire ant baits have been applied.
Red imported fire ants are easy to recognize by their mound building habit. - Credit: Jake Farnum, Bugwood.org
If excluding poultry from the treatment area is not feasible, I recommend using Conserve SC. The active ingredient in Conserve SC is spinosad, a compound derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium. This product is applied as a mound drench when treating fire ant colonies. Always read and follow the pesticide label instructions carefully.
Q: What can I use to control watershield in my pond?
A: Watershield, an emergent aquatic weed, is highly susceptible to aquatic formulations of 2,4-D. To minimize the risk of fish kills, treat only one-quarter of the pond at a time. Fish kills may occur due to oxygen depletion as decomposing vegetation consumes dissolved oxygen in the water.
Watersheild looks like a small water lily. - Credit: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org
Ensure you read and follow the label instructions for the specific 2,4-D formulation used. The label will list specific restrictions about fishing, swimming, livestock watering, and irrigation. Different formulations have varying restrictions.
Q: How can I control clover in my yard?
A: White clover is a common weed that thrives in closely mowed and under-fertilized lawns. To promote a healthy, vigorous turf that can outcompete clover, fertilize your lawn at recommended rates and mow at the appropriate height. For tall fescue lawns, maintain a mowing height of 3.5 to 4 inches and fertilize in February, September, and late October.
A soil test can identify and address underlying fertility issues that may contribute to the problem. We recommend conducting a soil test every three years.
If needed, herbicides containing the active ingredients fluroxypyr, triclopyr, or quinclorac are effective against white clover. Common trade names for these herbicides include Confront, Escalade 2, and Q4 Plus.
White clover can be a weed in home lawns, but it can also be a source of nectar and pollen for bee species. Credit: Danesha Carley, NC State University, Bugwood.org
Always read and follow the label instructions for proper application and safety.
If you have agriculture or horticulture questions, call the Caldwell County Extension Center at 828-757-1290 or visit us online any time at //caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu.
-- Seth Nagy is the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Caldwell County Center Extension Director.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Caldwell County Center, 120 Hospital Ave.,
#1 in Lenoir, provides access to resources of N.C. State University
and N.C. A&T State University through educational programs and
publications. Staff can be reached in person or online.
