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Keeping fire ants off your turf.
Product Overview
Siesta® insecticide fire ant bait, featuring the active ingredient metaflumizone, provides fast and long-lasting control of native and imported fire ants. Metaflumizone belongs to the IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) Mode of Action Chemical Group 22B. Siesta insecticide is a sodium blocker insecticide (SCBI) that does not require metabolism for bioactivation. It targets the insect's nervous system by blocking the voltage-dependent sodium neuron channel, leading to inactivation of neurons and a state described as "relaxed paralysis" in ants.
Broadcast Application Efficacy
Fast Control in Broadcast Applications
Study by: J. Cook, Sam Houston State, TX
Description: This chart compares the mean number of foraging workers over time (Pretreatment, 8 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days) for different treatments. Treatments included Untreated Control, Siesta Insecticide Fire Ant Bait (0.063% at 1.5 lb/acre), and Advion® Fire Ant Bait (0.045% at 1.5 lb/acre). The data indicates that Siesta insecticide significantly reduced the number of foraging workers compared to the untreated control and Advion, showing effectiveness within 24 hours and sustained control up to 14 days.
Effective Control in Broadcast Applications
Study by: L. Greenberg, Univ. of CA, Davis
Description: This chart illustrates the mean number of foraging ants over a longer period (Pretreatment, 7 days, 70 days, 105 days) for Untreated Control, Siesta Insecticide Fire Ant Bait (0.063% at 1.5 lb/acre), and Amdro® Pro Fire Ant Bait (0.045% at 1.5 lb/acre). Siesta insecticide demonstrated sustained control, maintaining a lower number of foraging ants at 70 and 105 days compared to both the untreated control and Amdro Pro.
Use Sites
Siesta insecticide is suitable for use in various locations, including:
- Residential turfgrass and ornamental landscapes
- Commercial and industrial areas
- School grounds and recreational areas
- Athletic fields
- Cemeteries
- Airports
- Roadsides
- Perimeters of hospitals and nursing homes
- Warehouses
- Noncrop/nongrazed areas
- Production field and container nurseries (around greenhouses)
- Sod farms and golf courses
Consult the product label for a comprehensive list of approved sites.
Product Details
Formulation: 0.063% metaflumizone active ingredient on corn grit bait.
Packaging: Available in 15 and 25 lb. bags.
Active Ingredient: Metaflumizone.
Ant Behavior and Application
Behavior in Ants: Siesta insecticide works slowly, allowing ants to carry the bait back to the nest. Upon ingestion, Siesta causes feeding cessation within 12 hours, increased immobility, and ultimately death within 72 hours.
Use Rates: Apply 1.0–1.5 lb. per acre (lb./A) broadcast to the area. For mound treatments, use 1.0–2.0 oz. (approximately 2 to 4 level tablespoons) distributed around the base of the mound. Do not exceed 6.0 lb. of product per acre per year or more than four applications.
Signal Word: CAUTION
Re-entry Interval (REI): None for non-WPS (Worker Protection Standard) uses. For agricultural uses such as nurseries and sod farms, the REI is 12 hours.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, waterproof gloves, and shoes plus socks.
Keys to Success & Application Methods
Siesta insecticide is most effective when applied as a broadcast treatment, ensuring coverage for foraging ants and hidden mounds. Broadcast applications can be made using hand spreaders, drop spreaders, or push-type spreaders. For larger areas, spreaders can be attached to ATVs, trucks, or tractors for uniform coverage. It is crucial to calibrate the spreader before use to achieve the target application rate of 1.5 lb./A.
Application Recommendations:
- Apply at the first sign of fire ant activity.
- Apply when temperatures are above 60°F, when ants are actively foraging.
- Apply in the early morning (when there is no dew) or late in the afternoon.
- DO NOT water in the granules immediately after application.
- DO NOT apply when the ground is saturated with water or if heavy rains are expected within 12 hours.
Broadcast Spreader Settings
The following table provides approximate settings for various broadcast spreaders. It is essential to calibrate your specific spreader by weighing a small amount of product, applying it to a measured area, and adjusting the setting as needed to ensure the correct application rate.
| Broadcast Spreaders | Setting |
|---|---|
| Scotts SpeedyGreen 2000 | 6.5 |
| Scotts SpeedyGreen 3000 | 6.0 |
| Sta-Green 4500 | 5.5 |
| Vigoro 4300 | 5.0 |
| Craftsman Model 486.19710 | 4.5 |
| EZ Spread Model SB5500 (Precision Products Inc.) | 5.0 |
Drop Spreaders
| Drop Spreaders | Setting |
|---|---|
| Scotts AccuGreen 1000 | 8.0 |
| Scotts AccuGreen 2000 or Scotts AccuGreen 3000 | 8.5 |
Hand-held Spreaders
| Hand-held Spreaders | Setting |
|---|---|
| Scotts HandyGreen II | 3.5 |
| Earthway EV-N-SPRED Model 2700-A | 3.0 |
| Ortho Whirlybird | 3.0 |
Note: Spreader settings are approximate and may vary between identical models. Always calibrate your spreader.
Application flexibility with mound treatments
This section provides guidance for treating individual fire ant mounds.
Instructions:
- Distribute product 3 to 4 feet around the base of the mound.
- Use 2 to 4 level tablespoons of bait per mound.
- DO NOT disturb the mound before or during application.
- Apply bait around the perimeter of the mound, not directly on top of it.
Retreatment and Considerations
Retreatment with Siesta insecticide should be based on an as-needed basis, influenced by environmental conditions and the presence of ant mounds. Always read and follow all label directions for reapplication.
Important Note: If heavy rainfall or irrigation occurs within 12 hours of application, the bait treatment may be affected. Monitor ant mounds and foraging ant activity within seven days to assess the effectiveness of the bait. If needed, a nonrepellent insecticide, such as Alpine® WSG insecticide, may be applied to the mounds.
