I'm back with some sense of motivation

[guitarstitch]

Im going to say something here that contradicts something I do. Ill put it this way. I am usually against pesticides unless it is absolutely necessary. let me know how it works out brother.

I am normally on the same boat.  I've long avoided pesticides, including weed killers for a number of reasons.  If anything, I expect that to find its way back into my well with enough application.  I think I'll be ok here by treating ONLY around the hive stands.  I'm expecting a total of 16 sqft of treated ground.  I don't mind the ants anywhere else in the yard...coexist and all that.  They serve an important role, etc.  HOWEVER, I do have to draw the line when they start damaging my bees or buildings.

[guitarstitch]

For those interested, I'm one month post dosing with Fipronil.  So far, no ill effects...bees seem unphased and the fire ants that were hanging out in the medium around my sugar water jar have long vacated.