Charleston’s Middleton Place Strives to be Fire-Ant Free

Each year, Charleston's Middleton Place National Historic Landmark welcomes South Carolinians and visitors from across the nation to enjoy its lush gardens and landscaping. And to provide their guests with safe visits, Middleton Place strives to keep the plantation fire-ant free.

Starting in the spring, imported fire ants invade many public areas in South Carolina and the southern United States. Imported fire ants, native to South America, occupy 300 million acres nationally, including parks, golf courses, schoolyards and residential lawns. Additionally, imported fire ants sting 5 million people each year. Of those individuals stung, roughly 2 percent require medical treatment; and approximately 1 percent experience life-threatening reactions.

This year, Middleton Place is partnering with DuPont Professional Products to enhance guests’ experiences and safety through the prevention of fire ants. DuPont Professional Products and National Exterminating of Charleston will be treating the plantation’s grounds with DuPont’s Advion fire ant bait, a new fast-acting technology that works to provide control of fire ant colonies within 24 to 72 hours.

Additionally, area pest management and lawn care professionals will be attending a continuing education session on fire ant control at Middleton Place, in conjunction with the application demonstration. Representatives from Clemson University and DuPont Professional Products will be on hand to share their expertise about fire ants and Advion fire ant bait so they are equipped to assist Charleston-area residents with fire ant issues.

The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 28 at Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, S.C. Contractors interested in taking part in the event and earning an hour of continuing education should R.S.V.P. by July 27 by calling 816/584-8444.