Fire Ant Identification In Alabama & Florida

What are fire ants?

Native to South America, fire ants are an invasive species in the United States. They take over properties in large numbers and drive away native species of ants and other insects. Adult fire ants grow to between one-eighth and one-quarter of an inch long and are reddish-brown, red, black, or multi-colored. Fire ants are incredibly aggressive and deliver painful stings to any animal or person they view as a threat to themselves or their nest. They work together as a group to deliver many painful stings.

Having a fire ant nest on your Florida or Alabama property is a serious issue because something as simple as walking across your yard could elicit an attack. A fire ant nest dramatically reduces a family’s ability to enjoy their outdoor space.

Are fire ants dangerous?

Fire ants have short tempers and deliver painful stings that result in a burning sensation. The bite sites often form pustules that become very itchy and last for days or even weeks. Those allergic to fire ant venom may experience severe allergic reactions or, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis.

Fire ants are very resilient and very difficult to eliminate and keep from returning. The best way to protect your property from fire ants is to partner with a professional that can offer the recurring services necessary to keep these ants away for good!

Why do I have a fire ant problem?

Fire ants will move onto any property that offers a suitable place to nest or forage for food. Fire ants search for food more than 100 feet from the nest, meaning a fire ant nest could be located on a neighboring property and still end up on yours. Fire ants are omnivores and eat various foods, including fruits, sugars, insects, meat, seeds, grease, and oil. Gardens, trash cans, recycling bins, pet food, outdoor eating areas, and compost areas all act as feeding grounds for fire ants.

Fire ants are most active when temperatures are between 70° and 90°F and they forage for food both day and night. The worker ants move as a team to gather food and return it to the rest of the colony back at the nest.

Where will I find fire ants?

Fire ants prefer to nest in open sunny areas, which is why they are so problematic in our yards. Their nest may be raised or flat but are most often irregular in shape, and they construct several entrances under the ground. These ants swarm as a group when they feel the nest is under attack. Other areas where fire ants may build a nest include in rotting logs, in pavement cracks, or inside of electrical equipment, farm equipment, or utilities.

How do I get rid of fire ants?

Fire ants are dangerous pests that are difficult to control and eliminate. The safest, easiest, and most effective way to eliminate fire ants and stop them from coming back is to partner with EnSec. Our pest professionals want to help you keep your family safe from aggressive fire ants and dedicate ourselves to providing exceptional home pest control services and customer service. Get rid of fire ants with help from EnSec. For more information about our fire ant control solutions, contact us today!

How can I prevent fire ants in the future?

Take steps to help prevent fire ants from becoming a problem on your Florida or Alabama property using the following prevention tips. Some of the easiest things you can do to guard your home against fire ants include:

• Provide fire ants with fewer places to forage for food on your property by keeping locking lids on trash and recycling bins, maintaining gardens, and keeping outdoor eating areas free of food debris.
• Pick up uneaten pet food.
• Close off entry points into your home by sealing cracks in the foundation, placing door sweeps on exterior doors, and sealing spaces around utilities leading into your home.
• Stop fire ants from nesting close to your foundation by raking back mulch and leaves.
• After spotting a nest on your property, avoid the area and call a professional for help.

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