Jim from Shawano, Wi writes
For ants I use talstar p, and it works for about 10 days and the ants are back. Would a better option be Termidor? Crabgrass I have been using XLR8 and it kills it, but again its back in about 3 weeks and ready to go to seed. So if I us XLR8 now I assume the seeds are still going to be viable for next year. I cant seem to get ahead of the curve on either one. What am I doing wrong?
Unfortunately, Termidor is only labeled to be used up against the foundation of a structure and cannot be used in lawn applications. We recommend that you select a product that can be transferred back to the colony instead of a product that is effective only on the ants that touch treated surfaces. Ant baits are always a good choice and a granule product such as Maxforce Complete Granules would be an excellent option for ants in your lawn. You will broadcast it across your lawn in the places where you have seen activity or used inside of Bait Plate Stations. Maxforce Complete has a unique formula with a mixture of proteins, simple sugars, fats and complex carbohydrates in a food-based granular structure that is irresistible to insects. For crabgrass control, you should be using a pre-emergent crabgrass killer such as Dimension 2EW Herbicide. This is going to be the best pre emergent product when controlling crabgrass, as it kills the crabgrass in the ground before it has a chance to grow above ground. The timing of the application of your pre-emergent is crucial to successful crabgrass control. In order to work properly, pre-emergent herbicides need to be in the soil before the crabgrass seeds start to germinate. Germination begins generally when the soil temperatures reach 55 degrees. This is around early spring, but the exact month will vary depending on where you live. Your local extension office can give you tips on when you should apply pre-emergents in your area.
Answer last updated on: 08/17/2018
