All it takes is one bite from a red imported fire ant to learn how they received their name, but most victims aren’t lucky enough to only suffer a single attack. As one of the most dangerous, persistent, and organized threats to a homestead, These persistent pests are a major concern for homeowners and groundskeepers, but we aren’t without methods of fighting back against them.

Why Don’t We Like Them?

Although humans have a history of controlling wildlife, it is rare in today’s world that we reach a consensus that certain animals are ultimately destructive and useless from an  ecological perspective. Although natural predators have kept them relatively in check in their native territories, red imported fire ants have spread throughout the entirety of the southern United States thanks to their durability, speed of reproduction, organization, and ability to eat or kill almost everything in their path. Their construction habits are also disruptive to plant roots and can make routine tasks like mowing or tilling a hazardous affair. Some local governments will even provide assistance to landowners who find the red imported fire ant on their property.

How Do We Stop Them?

One of the most common and effective methods for eliminating an existing fire ant mound is via poisoned bait. The ants carry the deathly meal to the center of their colony where it begins to work. Commercially available brands take anywhere between two to six weeks to fully clear a mound, but some licensed formulas act more quickly. Spraying insecticides of any type on the mound or wandering ants is not recommended due to their tenacity for survival; most likely, they will just endure the loss of numbers or a mound with a nearby migration.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Fire ant mounds can appear with alarming speed and in surprising numbers. Frequently, several mounds will be created at the same time, overwhelming nearby floral and fauna without stopping to figure out what they are consuming. Preventative pest control handles the problem before it starts, not giving the infernal ants a chance to gain a foothold in your territory. If you live in an area where red imported fire ants are found, do not wait until you are using the emergency measures listed above to protect your home.

Are red important fire ants pestering you? Call Preventive Pest Control today for effective and effective ant control services.