It Sounds Crazy but time is now

3/26/2010 I was called to a residence near the intersection of Grand Parkway at Mason Road near the new Super Kroger to investigate an ant infestation. At first glance I identified them as Rasberry Crazy Ant because of their population, habits, and size in that they were all the same size (monomorphic). The specimens are currently at the AgriLife Center on Paul Nester's desk awaiting TAMU confirmation.

Now is the time to begin a prevention program at your home in Katy. I am recommending a two step approach. Begin with the application of Top Choice Insecticide Granules. This is labeled for Fire Ants and has a marvelous residual in the soil and marvelous for Fire Ants. Any ant that comes in contact with this soil will likely pick up a lethal dose and kill him and if the ant comes in contact with other RCA the insecticide can be transferred to the relative. I would then call on a topical liquid insecticide called Temprid. This insecticide is a combination of repellent and a non repellent insecticide. The repellent is to ask the ant to go somewhere else but if he insist on his venture on to your property he will die.. The non repellent product in the product is a systemic insecticide and will kill other insects that invade plants and that exude a honeydew that attracts the RCA.

Other things to do is get anything that is laying on the ground, off. The Rasberry Crazy Ant is cold blooded and consequently looks for ground harborage that absorbs heat to warm himself and his brood. This means potted plants, lumber, and intentional landscape stone.

With the mortal injury to our plants because of the freezes that Katy, Tx encounter this year many will be relandscaping. Check every single plant for any ant in the or around the pot before you buy it. If you have a landscaper select the plants I would recommend you personally check all the plants yourself or hire our company to do it for you. Most infestations can be traced to new plant installations or nursery infestations.

Another mode of transportation for this ant is dumpsters. If a dumpster is delivered to your location or neighbor check for ants or have it sprayed with an insecticide immediately.

Another interesting fact is that the Rasberry Crazy Ant has infested Hobby Airport, NASA, and Houston Ship Channel causing concern and expense due to these ants ability of short circuit electrical devices. I am recommending that if you visit these destinations and your vehicle is parked any period of time I would go to a car wash and have the it thoroughly washed including the engine compartment before returning home. These ants love warmth.

The Rasberry Crazy Ant must be taken seriously. It is an invasive specie and we do not have an effective elimination protocol developed.

Palms of Katy

We are recommending feeding palm trees that have some green showing in the fronds. New fronds get nourishment from the old fronds, but since the winter killed the fronds there is no food remaining. Consequently we recommend feeding with not only a specific food combination but also some mychorrizal fungae to increase the absorption capacity of the palm roots.

Remember a palm is closer related to grass than a tree, so tree fertiliziers are not appropriate. A grass fertilizer is insufficient in the micro elements. Palms need a great deal of potassium and manganese that is particular low in our soils of Katy.