Fire ants are very aggressive. Not only do they have a painful sting, but their aggressive behavior has also been known to damage property such as crops, electrical equipment, and landscaping.
How can I tell if these are fire ants on my lawn?
Most people can identify fire ants by the mound of soil seen above ground. These ants like to build their mounds in most types of soil but they prefer open sun. This means that lawns, sports fields, pastures, and parks are common places to find fire ants. A fire ant mound can get as big as 2-feet tall. Fire ants are a brownish-red color and usually about a ¼ inch long. There are several species of fire ants.
Are fire ants dangerous?
Unlike other ants that bite, fire ants actually sting. Then they inject a toxic venom. After being stung, a blister develops. This is actually an allergic reaction. Most people will feel an intense pinching pain right after being stung. This quickly gives way to inching and burning. This could be mild or intense depending upon the person. The sting of a fire ant produces a pus-filled blister that looks like round pimples. Blisters usually appear within 15 minutes of a fire ant attack. Fire ants tend to attack in groups, so stings often come in clusters. Most people that are stung will heal on their own and will not need to seek medical care.
Some people develop a more severe allergic reaction. Signs that point to a more severe reaction are immediate swelling, burning, itching. A much less common but much more dangerous reaction is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Within a few minutes of being stung a person with a severe allergy to fire ant stings will develop symptoms such as: dizziness, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, confusion, swelling of the tongue or throat, and may lose consciousness. If you suspect someone is having a severe allergic reaction do not hesitate call 911.
Children and pets are at a much higher risk of fire ant attacks because they are less aware of the dangers surrounding fire ant mounds. Pets can bring fire ants into your home putting everyone in the home at risk of an attack. Children often stomp fire ant mounds to knock them over and don’t realize what is inside until it is too late. Children also do not understand the importance of brushing the fire ants off of their clothing and bodies to stop the attack.
Why should I schedule a fire ant treatment?
At-home treatments often will kill the ants that they come in direct contact with but because they are usually ineffective at killing the queen. The queen of the colony will continue to lay eggs. The queen can lay up to 800 eggs per day and the eggs mature into adults in as little as 9 days. This means that the colony will quickly relocate and rebuild.
At Hometown Pest Solutions we understand the importance of feeling safe in our yards, in our playgrounds, or anywhere else we spend time outside. We will inspect, identify, and implement a treatment plan that works for your individual needs. Pest control is not a one size fits all. Every situation is different.
Contact Hometown Pest Solutions for all of your pest control needs.
Call or text: 252-230-3195
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