Calving and Fire Ants

[libertygarden]

Hello, I'm in NE Texas, the fire ant capital of the world. Has anyone had a problem with a cow dropping a calf on or near a fireant's mound? The NRCS guy said that sometimes this happens and the calf never gets up. I've never met a rancher or farmer that has lost a calf this way. Has this happened to you? Is it a real problem or just a wive's tale?

Thanks.

 

[ccr]

Hasn't happened yet, but I can see it being a problem. Hadn't thought about it too much, but you could check for fire ants and control them in the area (lot or trap) where calving.

 

[bird dog]

Have faith in your mama cow. They know what fire ants are and how to avoid them. They will find a safe place to calve.

Does the NRCS guy have any cows?

 

[Caustic Burno]

You can get rid of them for about 12 bucks an acre.

https://fireant.tamu.edu/controlmethods/products/extinguish_plus/

 

[callmefence]

Never seen a problem. Cattle have the sense not to lay in a ant mound. Probably not the case with the nrcs