Fire ants are an invasive species. They can cause a considerable amount of damage to the property. In a warm climate, they can spread quickly, causing disastrous infestations. You need professional fire ant treatments before it’s too late.
High-quality fire ant control services are extremely important in Texas. Its unique climate can be a hotbed for trouble. In this article, we will dive into the 5 warning signs you need to know about fire ant problems.
1. Visible Fire Ant Mounds Around Your Yard
Visible fire ant mounds are the big, dome-shaped lumps in your lawn. When you see time, it’s time to call professional fire ant control services as soon as possible.
Size
Mounds on regularly mowed garden can appear smaller. They can sometimes be missed easily. Undisturbed mounds can grow to 18 inches in height.
Rain
Fire ants usually come out after a heavy rain. They can hide in the mud more easily as well.
No central hole
Unlike most other ant hills with a central hole, fire ants travel through intricate underground tunnels. There is no central hole.
2. Increased Ant Activity in Your Home or Yard
Fire ants are copper-brown with a dark abdomen. They are rather small but very destructive.
Trail
Check to see if there are ant trails on the sidewalks, patios, or driveways. The trail will lead to their colonies.
Eating habits
Fire ants will eat weeds and insects. After knowing their eating habits, you can more accurately identify an infestation.
Indoor infestation
Fire ants may spread from the garden to inside the house. Check the areas closest to your lawn for signs.
3. Frequent Stings on Humans or Pets
When a mound is disturbed, thousands of fire ants can come out for an aggressive attack. They can cause severe allergic reactions. It can be a major health risk for young children and vulnerable people.
Stings after walking in the garden
Overgrown grass may cover signs of fire ants. However, if you notice bad stings frequently after walking in the garden, you may have a fire ant problem.
Pets in pain
Pets can appear to be limping or in pain after an attack. You should check out the area where they got hurt to see if it’s a pest issue.
Red bumps or white pustules
Fire ant stings show up as red bumps or white pustules. They are particularly bad for young children. It should require prompt medical attention.
4. Damage to Plants, Lawn, or Garden Structures
Fire ants can cause serious damage to your green space.
Structural damage
Fire ant colonies can spread rapidly. Each mound can contain thousands of them. The more they spread, the higher the chance for structural damage.
Nutrient deficiency
Since fire ants will eat everything that comes in their way, they can cause severe nutrient deficiency for your lawn. It can take ages for the lawn to recover even after the treatment.
5. Rapidly Expanding Colonies
These are the fire ant infestation signs that suggest the problem has escalated.
Multiple queens
It is common for fire ants to have multiple queens. It helps them spread rapidly, establishing more colonies in the same area.
Mounds in new locations
If you notice mounds spreading from your driveway to your patio, it is a serious red flag. The colonies have spread. It will require a thorough extermination.
Failed treatments
Incomplete treatments, usually due to insufficient DIY techniques, will cause the colonies to come back. They can expand a lot quicker because their foundation is still intact.
Why Professional Treatment Is Better Than DIY
A professional fire ant treatment is always better than DIY methods. Due to the species’ characteristics, they are very difficult to manage at home. If you need to get it professionally done, contact CitiTurf.
Eliminate the colonies
Experts will conduct a thorough examination to locate all the colonies. It is the only way to eliminate the problem.
Prevention treatments
Other than treating the existing infestation, the service will also come with preventative treatments to ensure that the problem doesn’t come back.
Product safety
Qualified specialists will only use EPA-approved products that are safe for children and pets. It protects your loved one.
In conclusion
Fire ants pose a big safety problem for homeowners. Attempting to DIY your way out of this is likely to make it worse. You should always get professional fire ant control if you see the above 5 warning signs.
