Field day activities are an important part of our ongoing educational efforts in the state of Oklahoma. These events provide opportunities for OSU research and extension personnel to interact with the public, and for the public to ask questions and seek advice. Field day activities are generally centered on demonstration plots, so that the public can see firsthand the effect of various bait products against fire ant colonies. Other activities include short lectures on proper application of products, biology of fire ants and how it relates to control, and demonstrations to illustrate fire ant foraging activity.
A wide variety of people have attended fire ant field days, including farmers, homeowners, professional Pest Control Operators, personnel from Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Foresry, telecom industry personnel, city employees, Corps of Engineers personnel, university personnel, and many others. We try to insure that particular needs and interests of each group are addressed by including several different control methods and products in our presentations. Everyone has a chance to ask questions and talk in an informal setting when refreshments are served following tours of demonstration plots.
3rd Annual Fire Ant Field Day (Bryan County, OK)
We have had the good fortune of having local people in Bryan County, OK, generously volunteer their time and use of their land for demonstrations and field days. Most recently, for the Third Annual Fire Ant Field Day (Aug. 31, 1999), Teman and Jeanette Bowles hosted several interested persons for a morning (10 AM) and evening (6:30 PM) session.
The following photographs will give you some idea of the types of activities we include in our field days.
J. T. Vogt gives participants some advice on how to successfully treat for fire ants. Topics included available products, proper application and safety, and common mistakes that can be avoided. Click on image to view full size.
Wayne Smith explains the layout of demonstration plots -- in this case, a demonstration of Amdro and Extinguish baits. Click on image to view full size.
After talks and tours are completed, our host, Jeanette Bowles (in blue), serves up a lunch of chili dogs, chips, and watermelon. Click on image to view full size.
Technician Jeff Thrasher and Wayne Smith demonstrate the new FAV (Fire Ant Vehicle) and seed spreader to field day participants . Click on image to view full size.
