FIRE ANT FACTS & INFORMATION
How do I get rid of Fire Ants?
Fire ants are difficult to control for a number of reasons, including the fact that their colonies can be very large and extend under the ground for a considerable distance. In the event that a colony is decimated, another will likely move in to take its place, as colonies often have multiple queens and occur in large numbers, so that if one colony is eliminated, another is likely to take its place.
A professional opinion on how to control fire ants is highly recommended due to the potential danger they pose to people and pets. Call On Demand Pest Control to schedule a property inspection. Upon your request, an On Demand Specialist will visit your residence to perform a free comprehensive inspection from the inside and out. You can rely on our Specialist to create an effective treatment plan based on science that is tailored to your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fire ants prefer bright, warm weather. They avoid shady areas, such as woods, in favor of open fields. Mounds of this type can reach heights of 18 cm and a diameter of 61 cm. At least one queen can be found in each of these colonies, which can contain tens of thousands of ants.
The use of infested nursery plants or grass sod in landscaping around a house can also bring red imported fire ants into the yard. Control and prevention of red ants can be difficult because their colonies can spread across multiple properties.
Fire ants attack by grabbing their prey with their mandibles and injecting venom through a stinger. An emergency medical response should be sought right away by anyone who has experienced a severe reaction such as sweating, nausea, or excessive itching, which are all symptoms of an allergic reaction to a fire ant sting. The alkaloid venom in their sting is highly irritating to humans and can cause red bumps and white pustules, both of which can lead to scarring if not treated immediately. Fire ants bites are described as “stinging” and “intense burning,” and swarms of fire ants have been observed attacking humans and other animals. As many as 100,000 to 500,000 fire ants live in a single colony, which means that multiple stings are more likely to occur.
Be aware of where you step, sit, or place items like food or drinks to avoid being bitten or stung while out and about. Keep a close eye on the ground if you spot a fire ant mound.
The presence of worker and swarmer ants is a common indicator of fire ant activity. Their sand earthen mounds, which are usually more visible after recent rainfall, can also serve as signs of their presence.
On Demand does NOT charge for inspections. Our objective is to provide each customer with a personalized strategy. We know where to look for certain types of bugs, and we will perform a full inspection to find them. Additionally, we will also check for any other type of pest that may have made their way into your home. Each strategy takes into account the specifics of the property, issue, and the surrounding area. You may request an inspection by contacting (954) 947-0805.
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Understanding Fire Ants
Nests
Nests are usually built underground. Sometimes, nests appear in the form of 61 cm-diameter mounds with a maximum height of 18 cm. Workers in large colonies can number up to 250,000. They are extremely active and aggressive, and will sting any intruding animal multiple times.
Origin
The red imported fire ant is a common nuisance in the southern United States, from Florida to California and north to Oklahoma and Virginia, despite the fact that it is not a native species in North America. During the 1930s, a shipment of cargo accidentally brought the red imported fire ant (Solenopsisinvicta) into the country. The warm climate and lack of predators in the southern states have allowed them to spread and thrive since they were first introduced in Alabama.
Diet
Fire ants eat anything they can get their hands on, and they’re particularly good at it. Meats, fats, and sugars are among their favorite foods. When it comes to food, they’ll gobble up anything from meat to vegetables. Bees, earthworms, ticks, and spiders are just a few of the insects that the fire ant worker’s diet includes. The seeds of plants are a food source. Fire ants prey on young/newborn birds, rodents, and calves, as well as other vertebrates. Fi re ants are known to eat dead animals, regardless if they were responsible for the animal’s death. Until they reach their third larval instar, the fire ant larvae consume only a liquid diet provided by the worker adults. Solid food can be digested by fourth-instar larvae.
Reproduction
The average time from egg to adult is 30 days; workers can live up to 180 days, and queens can live for two to six years.
More Information
- Fire ants are reddish in color and range in length from 1.6 to 5 mm.
- Telephone wires have been known to be stripped of their rubber insulation by fire ants.
- Sting is painful and can be fatal to young animals.
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