Fire Ants

No one wants to find a fire ant mound in their yard. Not only are they an unsightly blemish on an otherwise beautiful lawn, but fire ants sting quickly and repeatedly, causing itchy, swollen welts that last for several days. Fire ants need to be addressed as soon as possible to ensure that your family stays safe and your property isn’t affected.

How Do I Know If I Have Fire Ants?

It is often difficult to tell the different species of ants apart; therefore, it is important to also look at the mound when determining whether or not you have fire ants. Fire ants are not just red--they can be red and brown, red and black, and even solid black. However, the most common is the imported fire ant, which are typically red and brown.

Fire ant mounds usually pop up in sunny areas. They are often found near sidewalks or trees. Some mounds are flat and others are shaped like a dome. In all cases, the soil looks as if someone has been digging or raking through it and there is no center opening. Fire ants also move quickly, particularly when threatened. Other ant species do not have the same reaction time and have more lethargic movements.

Why Should I Treat Fire Ants?

If fire ants feel threatened, they attack. They typically do so in a large group, inflicting many stings upon their victim. These stings cause welts that can lead to an allergic reaction or an infection, and one fire ant is capable of stinging several times. As a result, fire ants are more than just a nuisance; they can wreak havoc on your lawn, creating a dangerous situation for you, your family members and your pets.

What Can I Do About The Stings?

A topical antihistamine works wonders on fire ant stings. Try a cold compress as well. If you notice any unusual symptoms, like extreme itching or nausea, the victim could be allergic to the stings. Seek out medical help right away to ensure that there is nothing else that needs to be done.

How Should I Treat Fire Ants?

Baiting is just one component of treating fire ants. Contact insecticides simply don’t get down into the mound. Ensec Pest and Lawn utilizes only the most thorough, effective fire ant treatments by using a combination of the best treatment methods. The Fire Ant Program utilizes a product that bonds with the soil shutting down subterranean activity for a full year. The soil bonding process takes a few weeks to set, so bait is often utilized to shut down activity during the bonding process.

The bottom line is one treatment = a 52 week guarantee on fire ants. This service does nothing to control above ground ants or beneficial ants that are not subterranean in nature.

Fire ants multiply rapidly, are difficult to get rid of, and can be aggressive as well. If baiting doesn’t work, it is a good idea to get in touch with a pest control professional when you see a mound, particularly if you have tried and failed to get rid of these pests in the past. Ensec Pest and Lawn provides professional fire ant control to homes and businesses in areas across Mobile, AL and Panama City, FL. Don’t live with pesky fire ants - let Ensec solve all of your fire ant problems.