Fire ants are a type of insect that can be dangerous for humans, animals, and the environment. They can be extremely invasive, deliver painful stings, and can cause damage to plants and even electrical equipment. If you discover fire ants, it’s important to act quickly.
Learn how to get ride of fire ants outside and tips for prevention. Mosquito Joe® is also here to help with a wide range of pest control services, all backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®.
Understanding The Fire Ant Problem Outside
Fire ants are a type of aggressive, stinging ant that can be highly invasive with rapid colonization. They’re usually small and reddish brown or black. They will collect in swarms, especially if they’re defending their living area. Fire ants have venom that makes their stings extremely painful, especially for some.
Human Harm
Fire ants inject venom when they sting, which causes burning pain, red welts, and swelling. Depending on the person, the welts may develop into painful blisters. Fire ant stings can also cause severe allergic reactions with symptoms like trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, abnormal swelling, and dizziness that require urgent medical care. Their stings can also cause secondary infections like cellulitis.
Animal Harm
Fire ants can also hurt pets, livestock, and wildlife with their stings. Their stings cause pain, swelling, and irritation, especially in sensitive areas like around the eyes, nose, mouth, and paws. Fire ant stings can lead to infections and can keep animals from being able to eat and see. Like with humans, they can also cause secondary infections that require expensive veterinary care. If animals are small, young, sick, or vulnerable, they can be killed by fire ants if they’re attacked in swarms.
Environmental Harm
There are many ways that fire ants can harm the environment. They will compete with and eliminate other harmless ants and insects, negatively impacting biodiversity and ecological balance. They will prey on ground-nesting animals and attack eggs, hatchlings, and vulnerable wildlife, contributing to population decline. By eliminating other insects and animals, fire ants can also disrupt the food chain.
Fire ants also cause soil and habitat damage. They build large mounds that disturb soil and damage plant roots. Established fire ant colonies can impact agricultural opportunities and can be very difficult to get rid of.
Property Harm
Lastly, fire ants pose a large risk to property. They can damage lawns and landscaping with their large mounds, while damaging grass, plants, and ornamental plants. Fire ants will feed on seeds and roots, also putting crops at risk. These insects have a reputation for being attracted to electrical currents, causing them to infest equipment and chew on wiring.
Despite their extremely small size, fire ants can also cause structural damage by building nests and tunneling in areas that weaken the ground and cause cracks or sinking. This can be particularly dangerous for small buildings and concrete structures.
Effective Methods To Get Rid of Fire Ants Outside
You may be wondering how to get rid of fire ants outside. Luckily, there are many effective methods you can try:
- Chemical solutions: Chemical treatments like fire ant baits and contact insecticides can effectively target fire ant colonies. However, there are pros and cons to each. For example, fire ant baits can take weeks to work but are relatively easy to use. Insecticides often work immediately but are harmful to animals.
- Eco-friendly remedies: Eco-friendly solutions to get rid of fire ants include boiling water, vinegar and dish soap, and diatomaceous earth. You pour the boiling water or vinegar solution directly on the fire ant mound with reapplication as needed. Diatomaceous earth is a powder that will be sprinkled on the mound to dehydrate the ants.
- Professional fire ant control: Perhaps the most effective way to get rid of fire ants is by investing in professional fire ant control. Mosquito Joe utilizes a systemic approach to effectively target fire ant colonies.
Preventing Future Ant Fire Ant Infestations
Once you get rid of fire ants, you want to make sure they don’t come back. Here are some considerations for how to prevent fire ant infestations:
- Eliminate food sources: Ensure no food, pet food, or garbage is left out.
- Remove standing water: Get rid of standing water like puddles, clogged gutters, or leaky outdoor faucets.
- Clean up debris: Don’t leave your yard littered with grass clippings, wood, or leaves.
- Utilize landscaping: Plant mint, marigold, and other plants that repel fire ants.
- Dry out soil: Ensure proper drainage in your yard and consider aerating the soil.
- Maintain your yard: Regular yard maintenance is key for how to get rid of fire ants from your yard and keep them from coming back. Mow your lawn, inspect it for ants and other pests, and apply preventative bait as needed.
Don’t hesitate to contact Mosquito Joe with any questions you have about fire ants or other summer pests that are hindering your outdoor experience.
Why Professional Fire Ant Control Works The Best
Professional pest control offers many advantages, especially when it comes to stinging insects like fire ants. It saves you the hassle of dealing with dangerous pests and provides peace of mind that they are taken care of by trained professionals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a free estimate so we can help you enjoy your sting-free outdoor experience!
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
