Painful Pest Can Be Eliminated Using the Two-Step Method

JACKSON, Tenn. – Fire ants are a common nuisance in Tennessee lawns, infesting residential neighborhoods, schools, playgrounds, golf courses, parks and more. University of Tennessee Extension is offering control recommendations to help keep these painful pests from ruining your summer fun.

“Fire ants are easy to disturb, and their stings can cause anaphylaxis if someone is allergic,” says Kim Brown, UT Extension specialist. “To keep you and your community safe, we encourage using the two-step method of fire ant management.”

For step one, broadcast applications of bait-formulated insecticides should be conducted once in spring and again in fall to control colonies before they become established. Hand-held applicators can be used to distribute bait evenly across lawns, suppressing mounds by up to 90% when used according to label directions.

“Fire ant bait has low rates of insecticide and no residual activity. If you have children or pets, you can use this method in your yard and still enjoy being outdoors. However, if colonies are still present after seven to 10 days, proceed to the second step,” says Brown.

For step two, remaining colonies should be treated individually by sprinkling bait one to three feet around the mound. Both broadcast applications and individual treatments should be conducted while ants are foraging or actively leaving the mound in search of food. To determine if ants are foraging, place one to two tablespoons of bait or a small amount of canned tuna, hot dog, an oily potato chip or other greasy foods nearby. If these samples attract fire ants within 30 minutes, it is an ideal time to apply.

“Foraging activity slows when temperatures drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 90,” says Karen Vail, professor and Extension urban entomologist. “In the summer, late afternoon or early evening is a good time to treat mounds. Do not mix bait with other materials or use outdated insecticides, anything older than two years or not stored in an airtight container must be replaced. Once opened, stored bait can become distasteful to ants over time, so only purchase the quantity needed for the current application. It is also important to apply when grass is dry and rain is not expected, ensuring the ants can easily bring bait back to the nest.”

Flammable substances like gasoline are not recommended for fire ant control, as they pose safety risks to the user and can contaminate the soil. Home remedies, such as large quantities of boiling water, can eliminate mounds approximately 60% of the time, particularly on cool, sunny mornings when ants are near the surface. However, in addition to potentially harming the applicator and surrounding lawn, boiling water often does not kill the queen and instead causes the colony to relocate.

“In addition to baits, other individual treatment options for step two include drenches, which are diluted liquid concentrates poured on top; dusts, which are powdery insecticides sprinkled across the mound; and injectable products, which are inserted directly inside. Regardless of the product you choose, always follow the label instructions and apply only the recommended amount,” says Brown. “The colony should die off anywhere from days to weeks later depending on the product selected.”

For more information on fire ant control, please visit fireants.tennessee.edu or contact your local county Extension office.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.

6/24/25

This week’s heatwave is the hottest weather of the year and power demand is high here. As the temperature increases throughout the week, the need for reliable electricity will, too. TVA has the resources in place and a detailed plan to meet this tight power supply situation. LES crews are jointly working to make reliable power available to you. We are asking for your help, too. By reducing your power usage during a few hours this week, you can help keep your own power bill under control and ensure there is plenty of power available for everyone.

During the hottest hours of the day, between 12 noon and 8 p.m., beginning Tuesday, June 24, 2025, please turn your thermostat up – even one degree makes a difference – and avoid any unnecessary power use. Other energy-saving tips include:

*Use major appliances in the morning or later at night
*Turn off lights and unneeded electrical items
*Keep curtains and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home
*Use fans to keep air moving in your home
*Unplug electronics not in use
*Fire up the outside grill instead of using indoor kitchen appliances

Lewisburg Electric System and TVA have cut back on power use in our own facilities by adjusting thermostats; reducing lighting and taking other measures to reduce electricity consumption.
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1. The Industrial Development Board will not have a monthly meeting for the Month of July 2025.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Lewisburg will hold a regular monthly work session on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at Lewisburg City Hall, 131 E. Church Street.

2. All offices of the City of Lewisburg will be closed on Friday, July 4th, 2025, in celebration of the Independence Day Holiday.

3. The Lewisburg Water & Wastewater Board will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at Lewisburg Water Department, 100 Water Street.

4. The Mayor and Council of the City of Lewisburg will hold their regular monthly Council Meeting, Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., at Lewisburg City Hall, 131 East Church Street.

A link to view City Council meetings live may be found on the City of Lewisburg’s website under Public Notices at www.lewisburgtn.gov. You may also view respective legislative documents referenced herein at the same website.
LEWISBURG CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
July 8th, 2025, 6:00p.m.
Prayer & Pledge
1) Announcements/Presentations:
The Mayor & Council recognizes Jessica Radley for organizing the Juneteenth celebration that brought our community together in honor of unity.
The Mayor and Council extend their sincere thanks to our Police Department for their dedication and tireless efforts in pursuing justice during this difficult time for our community.
2) Citizens Input
3) Approval of the Minutes: June 10th, 2025, June 18th, 2025, June 30th, 2025
4) Approval of June 2025, Bills & May 31, 2025, Financial Statement
5) Old Business:
a. Consider approval of Resolution 25-10, a resolution to support the TVA Columbia Dam project on the Duck River. This resolution was deferred on May 13th, 2025, Council meeting by Council until July 8th, 2025, Council meeting.
6) New Business:
a. Request for the appointment of Luke Buckley to the Industrial Development Board which term expires June 1, 3031. Vacant position due to the resignation of Eddie Wiles.
b. Consider and approve of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 cost of living adjustment to be implemented effective June 30th, 2025.
c. Consider approval of first reading of Ordinance 25-09, an ordinance by owner request to rezone property located at 650 Spring Place Road, (Map 071B, Grp C, Parcel 026.00 within the corporate limits of the City of Lewisburg, from I-1 (Light Industrial) to C-2 (Intermediate Business). Planning Commission gave a favorable recommendation by a vote of 5-0. Owner Edward B. Tankersley, Lynn Tankersley & Steven Bradley Hooten
d. Consider approval of first reading of Annexation Resolution 25-10, an Annexation Resolution request by Marshall County Highway Department to annex a portion of Globe Road into the corporate limits of the City of Lewisburg, Tennessee (approx. 75 miles of Globe Road described as: from NORTH starting point of where the current city limits ends going SOUTH .75 miles to the end of unaddressed Globe Road; Map 069-Parcel 055.000. The Planning Commission gave an unfavorable recommendation 0-5 vote. Owner Marshall County Highway Department/Marshall County Government
e. Consider approval of Resolution 25-15, a resolution to approve Marshall County Highway Department request of Plan of Services for the annexation of Globe Road of approx. .75 miles. (approx. .75 miles of Globe Road describe as: from the NORTH starting point of where the current city limits ends going SOUTH .75 miles to the end of unaddressed Globe Road; Map 069, Parcel 055.00). Owner Marshall County Highway Department/Marshall County Government
f. Consider approval of first reading of Ordinance 25-11, an Ordinance adopting of International Property Maintenance Code which will replace Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code in its entirety.
7) Other Business:
a. City Manager Report.
b. Director’s Report.
c. Any other additional business or announcement.
d. Motion to adjourn.

5. The Airport Board of the City of Lewisburg will meet Monday, July 14th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Lewisburg Ellington Airport, 1877 Franklin Pike.

6. The City of Lewisburg Planning & Zoning Commission will meet in their regular session on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at the City of Lewisburg, 131 East Church Street.

7. The Budget Committee for the City of Lewisburg will meet on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., at Lewisburg City Hall, 131 E. Church Street.

8. The Lewisburg Parks & Recreation Advisory Board will meet Monday, July 21st, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. in the small conference room at the Lewisburg Recreation Center, 1551 Mooresville Hwy.

9. The Lewisburg Electric System will hold their regular monthly meeting Monday July 28th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at the Lewisburg Electric System, located at 599 West Ellington Pkwy.

10. The Community Development Board of the City of Lewisburg will hold their regular monthly meeting Tuesday July 29th, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at the Historic 1st Avenue Building, located at 207 1st Ave. N.

11. The Lewisburg Gas Board will meet in their regular session on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at Lewisburg Gas Department, 505 North Ellington Pkwy.

 

1. All offices of the City of Lewisburg will be closed on Friday, December 22nd & Monday, 25th, 2023, in observation of the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Holiday.

2. All offices of the City of Lewisburg will be closed on Friday, December 29th, 2023, in observation of the New Years Eve Holiday.

3. The Marshall County Courthouse, Courthouse Annex, and Hardison Annex will be closed Friday, December 22nd, Monday, December 25th, and Tuesday, December 26th in observance of Christmas.

4. The Marshall County Probation Office will be closed Friday, December 22nd, Monday, December 25th, and Tuesday, December 26th in observance of Christmas.

5. The Marshall County Courthouse, Courthouse Annex, and Hardison Annex will be closed Friday, December 29th, and Monday, January 1st in observance of New Years.

6. The Marshall County Probation Office will be closed Friday, December 29th, and Monday, January 1st in observance of New Years.

7. The WJJM Office will be closed Monday, December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th for the Christmas Holiday and again on Monday, January 1st and Tuesday, January 2nd in observation of the New Year.

8. All offices of the City of Lewisburg will be closed on Friday, December 22nd and Monday, December 25th in observation of the Christmas Holidays. Also, Friday, December 29th, 2023, and January 1st, 2023, in observation of the New Years Eve and New Years Day Holidays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. The Marshall County Building Committee will meet on Monday, November 6th at 6:30 pm. This meeting will be held at the Courthouse Annex Room 2204.

2. The Marshall County Personnel and Policies Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 7th at 10:00 a.m. This meeting will be held at the Courthouse Annex Room 2204.

. The Marshall County Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee will meet on November 9, 2023, at 10 a.m. in the EOC at 230 College Street, Lewisburg, TN 37091

4. The Marshall County Opioid Task Force Committee will meet on Monday, November 13th at 5:00 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Courthouse Annex Room 2204.

5. The Marshall County Tourism Committee will meet on Monday, November 13th at 4:30 pm. This meeting will be held at the Courthouse Annex Room 2204.

6. The Marshall County Education Committee will meet on Monday, November 13th at 5:00 pm. This meeting will be held at 700 Jones Circle, Lewisburg, TN.

7. The Marshall County Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday November 21st, at 6:00 p.m. at the Marshall County Courthouse Annex, Lewisburg, TN. 2nd floor Room 2204.
1. Final 2 lot Plat Caldwell Estate located at 3402 Mealer Rd. Map 026 Parcel 051.13 Chapel Hill, TN 37034

8. MARSHALL COUNTY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD MEETING AGENDA will be held Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 9:00 A.M.

Rules for Public Comment

1) Comments may only be made on items on the meeting agenda
2) The period of public comment will be 30 minutes at a maximum
3) The number of speakers allowed to speak during the public comment section is ten (10)
4) The length of time a speaker may speak is three (3) minutes
5) The speaker’s comments shall be addressed to the chairman of the board
6) Until further notice those desiring to provide public comment shall submit their name in person and in writing to the MCBPU office by 3:00 p.m. the day prior to the meeting. (items 1-5 are in effect)

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

III. WELCOME OF VISITORS
• John Bennett- tap request 4880 Thick Rd.
• Paul Varney- Pyles Rd Subdivision- 39 lots

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• October 10, 2023 MCBPU work session
• October 10, 2023 Authority Group work session
• October 17, 2023
• October 30, 2023 Special Called Meeting

V. OPEN/CONTINUING BUSINESS

• ATTORNEY’S REPORT
• Fire Connection Fee Contract

• SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
• Update on Water Authority
• Bond
• Temporary pump station fee
• Parking Lot sealing
• Window Replacement
• Flow Chart for Mill Town Dam
• ARP funding
• Water Moratorium
• PRV/Altitude Valve Contractor

• ENGINEER’S REPORT
• Update 31A Project-
• WTP update
• Intake Update

• OFFICE MANAGER REPORT
• Software conversion

• FINANCIAL OFFICER
• Auditor RFQ

VI. NEW BUSINESS
• Wholesale Water Rates

VII. ADJOURNMENT

9. The Marshall County Opioid Task Force Committee will meet on Thursday, November 30th at 5:00 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Courthouse Annex Room 2204