Fire ants are one of the more recent and dangerous invasive species to come to the U.S. There are many types of ant called “fire ant,” but this term in the southern United States refers generally to the species solenopsis invicta. Originally native to South America, the history suggests that they were brought in the late 1920s. Not only are these ants omnivorous, but they are very aggressive towards perceived threats and give a painful sting or bite, depending on the exact species involved. Some people are very sensitive to the venom they produce, to the point where it can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Fire ant control starts with prevention. If your home and yard do not appeal to the fire ants, they won’t try to move in. Eliminating mounds that appear and using treatments that mask food sources or contain poisoned or growth-hormone-containing feed can also be used to prevent a colony from growing towards your home and property.
There are various methods of fire ant control and deterrent, some of which are more direct and powerful than others. Individual treatment of a mound will use a powder or drench to eliminate most, if not all, the ants in the colony. If a large area needs to be generally treated, a broadcast bait might be the best solution. This Trojan horse is usually ant-friendly food with added insecticide or insect growth regulators. Worker ants can’t help themselves but bring this bait back to the nest, where it’s consumed by the larvae, workers, and queen in very short order.
Cleaning serves to break up scent trails and the ants’ communication with one another. Changing habits in food storage and preparation can also help.
If you need fire ant control or are concerned about their presence in your lawn or home, give us a call today at Total Pest Solutions!
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