When it comes to fire ants I use AMDRO. But only as needed. I don't spread it everywhere but put a small amount on the mound. This has worked VERY well. I don't try to kill every ant around. They are quite beneficial and help keep things "clean". I've created a defensible zone (appox 100yds) around my house. Outside that area the ants have free reign. I've watched them closely over the years and it appears that they set a population limit for their area.