Press Release

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, June 11, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As rainwater in Texas dries and floodwaters recede, many residents have found displaced fire ant colonies popping up in backyards and even inside their homes. As a leader in do-it-yourself pest control, Ortho helps homeowners keep out common pests, like fire ants, that infest gardens, parks, yards, playgrounds and pastures throughout the southern US.

"Spring rains and warmer weather are encouraging fire ant mounds to show up and they can wreak havoc on your yard – especially when heavy rains like those in Texas lead to flooding," said lawn and garden expert Ashton Ritchie. "For me, the 2-Step Method from Ortho does the trick – the benefit from this approach allows me to feel comfortable enjoying my outdoor space with friends and family."

Fire ant colonies build large nests in the ground, which can lead to visible mounds reaching one to two feet in height above ground. Fire ants typically are found in lawns and gardens, but occasionally, they can migrate into a home, driven by heavy rain or drought.

How to Treat Fire Ants

Step One – Treat the Mound:

Treat visible mounds with a granular product or a dust, such as Ortho® Orthene® Fire Ant Killer. This product is designed to kill the queen and entire colony, so use it wherever you see mounds..

Step Two – Protect the Ground:

Not all fire ant mounds are easily seen. Many remain hidden down in the grass. Fire ants also forage the yard for food and new nesting sites. Using a broadcast product like Ortho® MAX® Fire Ant Killer Broadcast Granules will protect your lawn by killing foraging fire ants and controlling new fire ant mounds from forming for up to six months.

Ortho® Orthene® Fire Ant Killer and Ortho® MAX® Fire Ant Killer Broadcast Granules are both available at local retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart and ACE Hardware.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro

With more than $2.8 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In the U.S., we operate Scotts LawnService®, the second largest residential lawn care service business. In Europe, the Company's brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligène® and Substral®. In 2015, the Company ranked in Forbes 100 Most Reputable Companies in America. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.

CONTACT: Annika Tunberg
         [email protected]
         312-321-4862