You may have encountered Fire Ants while enjoying the great outdoors or while tending to your garden. These small, reddish-brown insects are a common sight in many parts of the world, including the United States. But how do they get inside your home, and what can you do to get rid of them?
Originating from South America, Fire Ants made their way to the United States in the early 1900s and have since spread to many areas of the country. They are known for their aggressive behavior and painful sting, making them a nuisance for homeowners.
How Fire Ants Get Into Your Yard
Fire Ants are notorious for invading yards and gardens, and their painful stings can cause discomfort and even allergic reactions in some people. Understanding how these pests make their way into your outdoor space is the first step in preventing an infestation. Here are some common ways Fire Ants get into your yard:
- Imported soil: Fire Ants are known for hitching a ride in soil or plants that are transported from one area to another, making it easy for them to establish new colonies.
- Adjacent properties: If your neighbors have a Fire Ant problem, there is a good chance that they will eventually migrate into your yard, as Fire Ants are known to travel up to 100 feet from their colonies in search of food and nesting sites.
- Moisture: Fire Ants are attracted to moist environments, so they are more likely to infest yards with standing water or damp soil.
Fire Ants can invade structures, but the greatest potential for human interaction is outdoors in lawns, gardens, parks and athletic fields
Getting Rid of Fire Ants
If you suspect a Fire Ant infestation, it’s important to take action right away. There are several methods for getting rid of Fire Ants, including:
- Bait: Fire Ant bait can be used to attract ants to a poison, which they will then carry back to the colony and spread to other ants.
- Insecticide: Insecticide treatments can be used to kill Fire Ants and prevent them from returning to your home.
- Professional Pest Control: Contacting a professional pest control service like Terminix can ensure that Fire Ants are safely and effectively removed from your property.
Fire Ants vs Other Ants
Fire Ants have several unique characteristics that set them apart from other ants. They have a noticeable stinger at the end of their abdomen, which they use to inject venom into their victims. They are also known for their aggressive behavior and create large mounds in the ground.
Protect Your Home and Yard from Fire Ants with Terminix Pest Control Services
Fire Ants are not just a nuisance, they can cause serious damage to your property and pose a threat to your health. If you suspect an infestation, contact a professional pest control service like Terminix for a free home pest inspection and to learn more about our Fire Ant control services. Don’t let Fire Ants take over your home – take action today.