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MARSHALL, Texas – More than 25,000 residents and guests flocked to the 23rd Annual Marshall Fire Ant Festival, held Oct. 8-9.
For the second year in a row, TopChoice™ fire ant control, manufactured by Bayer Environmental Science, was the title sponsor of the festival as part of a national outreach program aimed at educating homeowners of the danger posed by fire ants, especially to children and pets.
“The Marshall Fire Ant Festival is both an entertaining and educational event,” says Phyllis Bryan, event coordinator for the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce. “In the South, fire ants are always a concern, and this event provides us the opportunity to celebrate their upcoming winter retreat in addition to educating residents about the threat these pests pose to both their families and pets.”
Although the main reason Marshall holds their festival in the fall is to celebrate the imminent winter retreat of the fire ant, the season’s cooler temperatures actually cause increased fire ant activity. When residents spot fire ants in the fall, many think that it’s too late to treat. However, Bayer Environmental Science lawn and landscape market specialist, Foster McWhorter says otherwise, “One of the biggest misconceptions about fire ants is that they are only active in the spring and summer. But, when hot summer temperatures drop, fire ants come to the surface, providing pest management professionals the perfect opportunity for treatment.”
At the festival, Bayer Environmental Science provided residents and guests with useful information on TopChoice. A single application of TopChoice provides fire ant prevention for one full year. The product eliminates existing mounds and prevents new ones from forming, no matter what time of year it is applied, according to Bayer. “Fire ants have always been an issue for Texas residents and guests,” McWhorter says.
The festival included a variety of zany activities for all ages including a fire ant calling contest, rubber chicken chunking contest, chili cook-off, Tour de Fire Ant Bike Ride, Ant Smash Dodgeball and more.
For more information on the festival or TopChoice, visit www.nofireants.com or www.marshall-chamber.com.