Fire Ant Identification & Prevention

What are fire ants?

Fire ants are tiny, reddish-brown ants that live across the Carolina’s. You can identify them by their distinctive nesting mounds and painful bites and stings they deliver. Fire ants bite to hold their prey and then use their stinger at the end of their abdomen to paralyze their prey. The problems come when these aggressive ants sting people and our pets; their venom is strong enough to cause life-threatening allergic reactions, especially in the case of a group attack.

Are fire ants dangerous?

Fire ants are dangerous because they pose health risks to people. Their stings are painful and can cause dangerous allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis. Additionally, fire ants cause damage to farm crops, young plants, and potted house plants in large populations. Finally, fire ants are attracted to electrical equipment; inside homes and other buildings, they can damage air conditioners and circuit breakers.

Why do I have a fire ant problem?

Fire ants reproduce rapidly, quickly spreading across open areas or lawns and nesting in sunny areas. They tend to avoid shaded or wooded areas, and, unfortunately, our yards make the perfect nesting spot for fire ants. Like other species of ants, fire ants also invade properties that offer them easy access to food; open trash cans, gardens, compost, and outdoor eating areas all attract hungry fire ants to a yard. Fire ants may also end up on your property inside new sod, plants, or trees purchased from a garden store.

Where will I find fire ants?

Fire ants create flat, irregular-shaped nests that reach between two and four feet in size. Yards, parks, athletic fields, and golf courses are potential places fire ants nest. They also create nests in the soil along rivers, ponds, and streams. You’ll rarely find fire ants inside a home but, while out foraging for food, they may find their way inside through spaces around air conditioners, wires, pipes, or cracks in the foundation.

How do I get rid of fire ants?

If you are looking for pest control in the Winston-Salem area, turn to the local and experienced pest professionals at Aruza Pest Control. We offer home and business owners the benefits of comprehensive pest control, superior customer service, and the peace of mind that comes with our guaranteed services. Our eco-friendly solutions solve current pest problems and keep them from returning. For home and business owners who want to protect their property from fire ants, contact Aruza Pest Control today!

How can I prevent fire ants in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to prevent fire ants on your property:

• Use a caulk gun to seal spaces in your foundation and around utilities entering your home.

• Place a stone barrier between any soil and your foundation.

• Place door sweeps on exterior doors.

• Keep outdoor eating areas clear of food debris.

• Inspect newly purchased plants and trees for fire ants before planting.

• Eliminate access to food by placing tight-fitting lids on outdoor trash cans or compost bins.