Fire ant baits are considered safe for humans and most animals. The bait used to treat fire ants is specifically targeted to kill ants.
The bait used to treat fire ants is not harmful to pets, including cats and dogs. It is specifically targeted to kill ants.
We use 2 types of bait in our fight to eradicate fire ants.
Insect growth regulator (IGR) baits
The insect growth regulator (IGR) bait products used to treat fire ants in Australia have very low toxicity to mammals. It is biologically impossible for a cat or dog to consume enough bait to cause any ill effect on their health.
The World Health Organization states (2001) that s-methoprene and pyriproxyfen are rapidly metabolised or broken down in mammals. They show no ill effects when used in pregnant or lactating animals.
When the bait is spread across a property, the granules—which are 1–3mm in size, settle deep in the grass. It is highly unlikely that a dog would be able to locate sufficient bait to cause them harm.
Fast-acting insecticide
This bait contains either indoxacarb or a combination of hydramethylnon and pyriproxyfen. All 3 of these active ingredients are commonly found in cockroach baits or flea collars. Your pet may already be being exposed to the same active ingredient, as a direct application to their skin, or via oral administration.
A significantly smaller amount of pyriproxyfen is used in fire ant bait than in these veterinary products. About 85g of bait is used in each treatment, consisting of 0.045% of insecticide (less than 1g), so a minimal quantity of the active ingredient is distributed.