One of the joys of owning a home is having a yard. Yes, you do have to mow the grass, trim the bushes, and pull weeds, but the payoff is a green front lawn. Another joy of having a yard is the ability to walk or run barefoot in it. The feeling of grass under your bare feet is unique and gives a sense of connectedness with nature. That is, however, until you step on fire ants.
If fire ants are ruining your outdoor experience, you need the Columbia pest control experts from Redefined Pest Solutions. Our local, family-owned business specializes in removing pests like fire ants. We hope you will continue reading this short article to help you understand more about fire ants and what to do about them.
How To Identify A Fire Ant Infestation
Pests in Columbia like ants create mounds in yards along sidewalks, driveways, and open areas, so how do you know if you have fire ant mounds in your yard? The following are ways to determine if the small hill is a fire ant nest:
- Body color: Fire ants are reddish-brown.
- Body size: Fire ants are 1/8 to 3/8 inches long.
- Body shape: Fire ants have two bumps between the thorax and abdomen
- Nest size: A fire ant mound covers two to four feet. The size of the hill depends on the population; for example, a two-foot nest has about 100,000 ants, and a four-foot nest has about 200,000.
- Nest shape: Fire ants build mounds that are flattened and irregular.
- Nest location: Fire ants create colonies where the soil is warmer such as against foundations, at the base of trees, next to sidewalks, underneath yard mulch, and in open areas exposed to full sunlight.
- Nest number: Fire ants reproduce quickly; one acre of land may have up to 40 mounds.
If you are unsure if you have a fire ant hill in your yard, place a slice of a hot dog near it and watch if for a reaction. The insects will swarm out of the nest onto the hot dog within ten minutes if it is a fire ant nest.
Why Fire Ants Are Worse Than Other Ants
Fire ants are worse than other ants due to their aggressive behavior. Fire ants quickly swarm anything disturbing their nest and inflict multiple painful stings. In cases where people are sensitive to venom, anaphylactic shock may occur.
Fire ant stings create a red welt that forms a fluid-filled white pustule causing lasting pain for weeks. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggest using antihistamines to help with the pain and itching from the stings. If severe nausea, chest pain, slurred speech, and other similar symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.
Why Do-It-Yourself Fire Ant Control Fails
Many homeowners who have been victims of fire ants want revenge, and do-it-yourself (DIY) fire ant home remedies are appealing. The idea of destroying a fire ant mound with hot soapy water, vinegar, baking soda, instant grits, or molasses seems like a fun adventure. You may see immediate results with these popular internet solutions, but unintended consequences like damaging the grass, and vegetation, polluting the local water supply, or endangering your pets and children may result.
Fire ant mounds are 18 inches or higher, but most people fail to realize they have a labyrinth of underground tunnels as deep as three feet beneath the soil. The key to a fire ant colony's survival is the queen, and while a DIY method may kill thousands of ants in the above-ground portion, if the queen survives, the nest will rebuild. After an unsuccessful attempt at destruction, surviving fire ants will spread out and create new nests; you will ultimately end up with more red fire ants on your property.
The Trick To Getting Rid Of Fire Ants Around Your Property
Long-term, effective fire ant control for your Columbia home requires our service professionals from Redefined Pest Solutions. We will inspect your property and locate fire ant hot spots and attractions. We eliminate any pest concerns using environmentally safe and effective products. Call today for your free inspection and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Columbia.
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