Tradition Meets Technology at Middleton Place

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Back in the 1700s and 1800s, the Middleton family didn't have to worry about fire ants at their plantation – the pests didn't arrive in the United States until the 1930s. And now, visitors to the Middleton Place National Historic Landmark, Charleston, S.C., won't worry about fire ants either, thanks to a complementary treatment of DuPont™ Advion™ fire ant bait.

On July 28, Middleton Place received a treatment of Advion by DuPont Professional Products, applied free-of-charge by National Exterminating, a local-pest management company in Charleston. Pest management and lawn care professionals from the Charleston area also attended the event for a continuing education session on fire ant biology and new control technologies.

Pest management and lawn care professionals and lawn care operators who attended the special education session are listed at DuPont’s Pest Patrol Web site. DuPont says homeowners and commercial property owners can use this site to locate professionals that apply the product for fire ant control. The site also provides information on fire ant biology and the Advion product.

"With Advion in our fire ant control arsenal, we offer a faster knockdown of fire ants," said Kyle White, National Exterminating, Charleston. "When individuals find fire ants on their property, they want them gone yesterday. Advion gives us a new, faster option because the fire ant colonies are controlled in 24 to 72 hours."

DuPont Advion fire ant bait is a new class of chemistry with a unique mode of action that is said to work in 24 to 72 hours compared to more traditional baits that may requires several weeks to work. Advion also was given a reduced-risk classification from the Environmental Protection Agency.

"Fire ants are a nuisance for both visitors to Middleton Place and the plantation's groundskeepers," said Dr. Chuck Silcox, global product development, DuPont Professional Products. "We're proud to help this historic landmark provide a more pleasant environment for its guests."

Having fewer fire ant colonies means Middleton Place patrons will experience the grounds, gardens and stableyards much like they were in the times when the Middleton family lived on the property.

"We are proud to share the history and beauty of Middleton Place with visitors and Low Country residents alike," said Sidney Frazier, vice president of horticulture, Middleton Place.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Del., DuPont Professional Products brings the company's tradition of science, innovation and safety to the pest management and green industries. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.