Since ants are a persistent presence around Frisco homes and businesses, people often shrug them off. Property owners don’t perceive them as a major threat. The reality is that these pests are extremely dangerous. They walk around with bacteria on their skin, which can lead to illness. Further, multiple subspecies are known for wrecking personal effects and buildings.
Fire ants are especially lethal. It would be wise to learn more about them, so you can get an understanding of how they operate and what the risk factors are. Then, you’ll be armed to prevent these hard to kill bugs with Adams Exterminating Company.
How Do Fire Ants Look & Behave? What Are the Hazards?
Fire ants have reddish-brown bodies that are 0.06 to 0.20 of an inch long. They have two antennas, six legs, and a black stinger at the back of their frames. Outdoors in the warmth and under the sun is where they prefer to be. They are typically found in yards, dry fields, and other areas rich with ground dirt. If a spot is particularly shady, such as a forest, they’ll avoid it. These pests have a reputation for ruining lawns and landscaping, as they make sizable mounds in soil. Moreover, they sift through grass sod and plant matter.
Given their proximity to homes and businesses on lawns, fire ants will sometimes head indoors. The kitchen will be a focal point for them, because of the food supply. Some of the things these bugs consume are:
- Sugary items
- Meat
- Vegetables
- Grease
- Honeydew
- Seeds
- Eggs from arthropods
Fire ants will also feed on other critters, dead or alive. Examples include spiders, worms, ticks, rodents, and birds. With this in mind, their presence may indicate an overall pest problem. These ants are challenging to get rid of for many reasons. Chief among them is the pace of their reproduction. Colonies can have over 100,000 members, and they tend to repeatedly disperse and forge fresh nests.
The primary concern with fire ants is their bites. They can strike in volume, increasing the chances of critical outcomes. In the least, you’ll experience a localized burning sensation, pain, skin inflammation, and scaring. Seek immediate medical attention if you have an allergic reaction, nausea, or sweats. Those with allergies and pre-existing conditions may be affected more significantly. The same goes for children and the elderly. Domestic animals can be attacked by fire ants as well. These insects latch onto prey using their mandibles and then inject alkaloid venom with their stinger.
How Can You Prevent Fire Ants?
Considering that ants are usually very little, they can get through holes of every size. It’s easy for them to penetrate a home or business, and they are a nightmare to combat. To protect yourself and your property, it’s wise to enact preventative measures:
- Seal crevices in utilities, wires, foundations, doors, and windows.
- Repair leaks and moisture defects.
- Make sure that all window screens and door sweeps are intact.
- Routinely clean the kitchen in detail. Wash dishes and wipe around countertops, cabinets, and beneath appliances.
- Vacuum carpeting and take out the trash regularly.
- Put food and trash in containers with tight lids.
- Deal with food spills and crumbs right away.
- Distance wood and greenery from the property by two feet.
- Keep loose wood, such as fire logs, off of the soil.
What Can Adams Exterminating Company Do About Fire Ants?
We at Adams Exterminating Company emphasize comprehensive care. This means our affordable plans consist of both interior and exterior services, with avenues specifically for fire ant elimination. Our experienced technicians will apply environmentally-friendly treatments that are thorough and work fast. Get a free estimate when you call us today at Adams Exterminating Company!