Ultimate Guide to Fire Ants: How to Exterminate Them Quickly & Effectively
Ants can be found everywhere around the world, but one that is known for its fiery bite is the fire ant. Red fire ants, native to South America, first started appearing in the 1930s and slowly began covering the country. Unfortunately, their migration has led to their presence in Charlotte, North Carolina. This pest can become an annoying invader for homeowners and, potentially, a dangerous one. We’ll go over how to identify fire ants and how fire ant control protects you and your family from their painful bite.
Identification
One of the most dreaded ant species in the United States is the fire ant. They are known for their painful bite and aggressive habits, so if you stumble across an ant hill that’s fiercely protective, it may be a fire ant hill. To confirm your suspicion, look for a reddish-brown or copper coloring with a darker abdomen. They’re also small—only ranging 2–6 mm in length or about a quarter inch. If you happen to get bit by one, you’ll feel burning at the sight of the bite, followed by itching and a small pus-filled blister.
Signs of an Infestation
Typically, fire ants want to be outside. If you have an infestation, you’ll see several hills outside in your yard. Look for the coloring and size we mentioned earlier but also any aggressive behavior, especially when you’re near their mound. If they’re close enough to your home, they may go inside in search of food or water.
Are Fire Ants Dangerous?
Yes, fire ants can be dangerous. Not only do they have a painful bite, but they’re also known to be very territorial. Just coming close to a fire ant mound raises the alarm for these ants, and hundreds of fire ants will defend their nest by attacking whoever is near their disturbed ant hill. Their venom is quite potent and can even harm and kill small animals, including household pets.
While it’s less likely for a fire ant to kill a human, their bites are quite unpleasant for several days after the encounter. They’re also known to cause allergic reactions, similar to bees, so find a doctor immediately if you notice any difficulty breathing or swelling after a fire ant bite.
Why Is Getting Rid of Fire Ants Hard?
While you may be able to temporarily get rid of fire ants by setting up a perimeter through a pest control technician, these perimeters can only go so far out and last for so long if not maintained.
These ants are also very adaptable creatures and will move locations as their environment changes. Your neighbor mowing their grass, construction down the street, or even returning home from a camping trip may cause fire ants to migrate to your yard. Regularly setting up a perimeter through a recurring pest maintenance plan with included fire ant control is going to be the best way to reduce and eliminate any problems in your yard.
Prevention Methods
A maintenance plan is going to be your best bet against these fiery invaders, but there are some things you can do to prevent them from making your yard their home. Some prevention methods include:
- Get rid of standing water to eliminate water sources.
- Regularly maintain your yard. Fewer materials to protect their nest or a frequent mower will keep them at bay.
- Properly store food and secure your trash to get rid of food sources.
- If you see a hill or two, utilize baits or sprays to get rid of them quickly and prevent spreading.
- Clean any camping gear thoroughly, especially your tent or anything else that was in contact with the ground or a tree.
How to Kill Fire Ants
While it can be tricky, there are poisons or sprays that are effective against these ants Once the bait has been placed, they will carry it back to their nest where it will begin poisoning the rest of the colony to reduce their numbers.
It is important to do this step correctly because fire ants are very crafty. They mobilize quickly at the first sign of trouble and relocate survivors to a new area. This is why ineffective treatments often end up exacerbating the problem and resulting in multiple ant mounds throughout the yard.
You may also want to spray their nests directly with a liquid spray. One of the best liquids to kill fire ants is any pesticide that starts with “bifen.” Keep in mind this is a heavy-duty pesticide that requires careful handling. Also, the ants may try to defend their nest, so stand away from the hill and be cautious if you decide to do it yourself.
Because of how difficult it can be to control fire ants and the danger they pose, hiring a professional is the best way to deal with these aggressive pests. A pest control company will know how to safely eliminate the problem without putting you or your family in harm’s way. A skilled pest control technician is also your best bet at controlling these pests the first time.
Exterminate Fire Ants for Good with Clint Miller Exterminating
With over 40 years of service in North Carolina, Clint Miller Exterminating is here to help you with all your fire ant control needs. Whether you need to actively get rid of fire ants or want to begin preventive measures, we’ve got you covered! Starting with our Gold Recurring Pest Control Plan, we’ll create a perimeter to control current populations and prevent fire ants in your yard. If you have a fire ant problem, our team is here to help you enjoy your yard again!
