Controlling Fire Ants
A bit about Fire Ants
While there are fire ants native to Texas, aggressive red or black imported fire ants are not and in some parts of the Lone Star state, have displaced native ones.
Why are Fire Ants a problem?
It is common for red imported fire ants to nest along the edges of sidewalks and driveways. They may also establish mounds under slabs and in the soil near foundations. If you’ve discovered these ants inside your home, they likely entered through holes made for utility lines, gaps around A/C units or gaps around doors and windows.
Do Fire Ants bite?
Fire ants do bite; they bite so that they can get a good grip on their victim in order to deliver a painful, venom-filled sting. Red imported fire ants have the ability to sting repeatedly and will attack in large numbers.
Are Fire Ants dangerous?
Stings from red imported fire ants are not typically life-threatening, however, some people have had allergic reactions. If you are stung and are having difficulty, seek medical attention.
Red imported fire ants are dangerous to wildlife in Texas. In fact, they are one of the reasons for declining numbers in some species.
What do Fire Ants look like?
Red imported fire ants vary in size (1/16 to almost ¼ of an inch in length), are reddish-brown or black in color, and look very similar to native fire ants. To the untrained eye, it can be difficult to tell the different fire ants apart. The nests of red imported fire ants do not have openings in the center, instead they enter and exit their mounds through underground tunnels. If you disturb a fire ant mound, it is likely you’ll see hundreds of ants swarm to the surface to attack whoever or whatever the threat is.
How do I get rid of fire ants?
If you have fire ants in your yard or inside your structure, contact First Response Lawn Care for help. Identification of the ant species is important, and our pest control technicians have the training, knowledge, and experience to control fire ants.
