Did you know there are around 10,000 species of ants found throughout the world? This is a rather staggering number, but luckily, there are only a handful of species you’re likely to deal with around your property.
Most ants in Texas are considered nuisance pests, but there are some that can cause property damage or pose health risks. One of the more notorious, and also one of the more dangerous, ants in the area is the fire ant, and there are a few things you need to know about them if you want to save yourself or your family from their painful stings.
In order to identify fire ants, remember that they are reddish-brown with reddish-black coloration on their lower abdomens, and they are usually seen in places like meadows, parks, and close to sidewalks. While they prefer to live outdoors, they can get into area properties and become a problem both from their stings and for getting into and contaminating any food source they happen upon.
How Dangerous Are Fire Ants?
The main concern with fire ants is that they are able to sting. While in most cases, these stings won’t cause serious harm, they are almost always painful and create an unpleasant burning and itching sensation that can last for up to an hour. This is obviously not a fun thing to deal with, but, in some cases, these bites and stings can be much more of a concern.
Some people are allergic to the venom that fire ant bites carry, and hospitalizations can happen in these situations. Many people also don’t know they are allergic until after they’ve been bitten, so it’s always best to be cautious and avoid fire ants to be safe.
Fire ants aren’t known to spread any major diseases to humans. However, just like with all ant species, if they do get into any food sources these items are considered contaminated and will need to be thrown out.
Why Is It So Hard To Get Rid Of Fire Ants?
While dealing with the possible health risks of fire ants is the main concern, the other problem with these ants is how difficult they are to eliminate. Just one colony can have over 20,000 individual ants, and they build sprawling underground nests. Because of this, it can be extremely difficult to destroy them. Many fire ant colonies also have more than one queen which makes it even harder to eliminate the entire infestation.
Fire ants will also redisperse and create new colonies if they feel threatened and if part of their nest is destroyed. So, while many property owners try to get rid of the infestation on their own, these attempts are usually ineffective. Methods such as pouring hot water or pesticides into the fire ant mound will just cause the ants to leave and create a new colony somewhere close by.
What Should You Do If You Have A Fire Ant Infestation?
While thankfully most fire ant attacks won’t lead to serious medical concerns, they are still a risk to have around your home or business.
If you’ve noticed these ants near your property, the safest and most effective way to remove them is with the professionals at Innovative Pest control. We understand the risks associated with fire ants, and we have over 25 years of experience removing fire ants and other ant species. We offer residential and commercial pest control service plans that are flexible and affordable to meet your needs
Get started with our ant control options by giving us a call at (903) 326-7395 or contacting us online. We even offer free inspections so reach out to learn more.
Categories:
- Fire Ants Prevention,
- Fire Ant Control
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