Like many species of ants, fire ants are often found in or around human structures. These ants possess a particularly painful bite that can cause severe allergic reactions in a small percentage of the population. Identifying and controlling fire ants is thus important for your comfort and peace of mind; your pest control service serving Orlando can help you develop an effective plan to eliminate any existing fire ant colonies from your property and prevent them from returning.
Fire Ant Identification
Red imported fire ants, typically simply called fire ants, were first introduced into the United States between the 1920s and 1940s. Today, these ants are found in 14 states in the Southern U.S., including Florida. Fire ants are a dark reddish brown color and typically range between 1/8” and 3/8” in length. Their nests are easy to identify because of their flattened, irregular shape and large size, often covering between two and four square feet on the surface. Fire ants prefer to build their nests outdoors in soft soil, and are often found near foundations or landscaped areas. The fire ant is particularly known for its painful bite, which can cause reactions that range from skin irritation and pain to dizziness, nausea, and even anaphylactic shock in approximately two percent of the population. Fire ants are sensitive to motion and will bite when they sense vibrations—when multiple ants swarm onto the body, they often bite in quick succession due to the jerking motions that result from the first bite or attempts to brush them off.
Fire Ant Management
Fire ant management typically involves several solutions working together. Maintaining your yard can reduce its appeal for fire ants—because fire ants prefer bare ground, addressing unhealthy patches of lawn can prevent ants from settling on your property. Additionally, avoid over-watering your landscaping and aerate regularly to prevent soil impaction. Fire ants typically only venture inside buildings in search of food, so maintaining clean cooking and food storage areas is often an adequate deterrent to encountering these insects inside. Making sure your property is well sealed can also prevent ants from venturing indoors—repair any exterior holes or cracks and apply foam insulation around vents or pipes to ensure they fit snugly against their surroundings. If you discover fire ant mounds on your property, it’s important to address them quickly to prevent further colony growth or accidental bites. Do not attempt to eliminate a mound yourself, as fire ants will defend their nest quickly and viciously, resulting in multiple painful bites. Calling in your pest control professional will ensure any fire ant colonies are eliminated completely and steps are taken to prevent these insects from returning to your property in the future.
Whether you’re dealing with ants, cockroaches, termites, or bed bugs, our pest control experts are here to help. We offer comprehensive pest management and lawn care services throughout the Orlando and Altamonte Springs area—please visitour website for more details or to contact us for a free consultation, ortake a look through our blog for more pest information and tips.