(a) Whereas, it has been determined, and so declared, that a serious insect pest, the imported fire ant (Solenopsis saevissima richteri Forel), is known to exist in Arkansas and is known to be a serious pest of:

1. (1) Humans;
2. (2) Crops;
3. (3) Livestock; and
4. (4) Wildlife.

(b)

1. (1) Whereas, the fire ant may be disseminated by the transportation or movement of the following products or substances:

   1. (A) Soil and unprocessed sand or gravel, separately or with other things;
   2. (B) Forest, field, or nursery-grown woody or herbaceous plants with soil attached;
   3. (C) Plants in pots or containers;
   4. (D) Grass sod;
   5. (E) Manufactured forest products such as stump wood or timbers if soil is attached; and
   6. (F) Any product or substance which may hereafter be found capable of spreading the imported fire ant.
2. (2) Movement of said products or substances from areas which are now or may hereafter be designated by the United States Department of Agriculture as imported fire ant regulated areas is prohibited except under rules which have been or may hereafter be made by the United States Department of Agriculture.

(c)

1. (1) Areas which are found infested or which are so situated as to be subject to infestation with the imported fire ant must be treated to eradicate it.
2. (2) In lieu of requiring the property to be treated by the owner, or at the owner's expense, the State Plant Board may elect to apply the treatment, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, at no cost to the owners.

3. (3) Property owners will be notified when treatment is to begin through:

   1. (A) Newspapers;
   2. (B) Radio;
   3. (C) Television; and
   4. (D) Personal contact where feasible.