Solutions available for Teche fire ant concerns

Resources are available for Iberia Parish residents who have concerns about fire ants.

Dale Pollet is an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter. He said fire ants, which are found nationwide mostly across the South and west to southern California, are common throughout Lou-isiana.

Pollet said although Iberia Parish does not stand out from other parts of the state in terms of the local number of fire ants, fire ants are beneficial to both sugar cane and cotton farmers, as they are a primary predator on sugar cane bore.

For homeowners, fire ants are predators for fleas, ticks and other pests, but the mounds they live in can damage lawnmowers when they are in use.

New Iberia Public Works Director James Russell said his office has not received an increased number of complaints regarding fire ant mounds, either on city or private property. If one is found on city property, public works crews spray it themselves using pesticides.

Those with concerns or questions about fire ant mounds can contact Pollet at LSU AgCenter at 225-578-2370.