Poetry Monday - Pests!

The Western Thatching Ants

A pest that keeps growing, but is controlled by mowing.

Don’t let these ants in your pants, as they will make you rant.

These mean little red clowns build tall thatch mounds.

If they build their mounds next to small trees, it will be the demise of the greenery.

On a farm, these ants do much harm and hopefully will not get into your barn.

To stop their flow, you need natural control.

Fire and mow helps to stem the flow, but bad chemicals are the only control.

You may think ants aren’t that bad, but when you get rid of them you feel very glad.

The western thatching ant is well known to Oregon farmers.  Their large mounds dot many of our pastures.  However, when they build close to crops, they become a big nuisance. They destroy young trees and bushes, and the only hope is eradication.  I'm against most forms of poison, but with these guys, it's the best hope. 

Here are two sights that give a bit more info:

Bug Guide - Close up photos of thatching ant

Pest Control discussion for thatching ant (scroll down mid-way thru page)