Fire Ants
Brief Overview of Fire Ants
While there are fire ants native to Texas, aggressive red imported fire ants are not in some parts of the Lone Star state. Instead, they have displaced native ones.
What Do Fire Ants Look Like?
Red imported fire ants vary in size (1/16 to almost 1/4 of an inch in length), are reddish-brown in color, and look very similar to native fire ants. To the untrained eye, it can be difficult to tell the different fire ants apart. The nests of red imported fire ants do not have openings in the center; instead they enter and exit their mounds through underground tunnels. If you disturb a red imported fire ant mound, it is likely you’ll see hundreds of ants swarm to the surface to attack whoever or whatever the threat is.
Do Fire Ants Bite?
Fire ants do bite; not only that, they bite so that they can get a good grip on their victim in order to deliver a painful, venom-filled sting. Red imported fire ants have the ability to sting repeatedly and will attack in large numbers.
Are Fire Ants Dangerous?
Stings from red imported fire ants are not typically life-threatening, however, some individuals experience allergic reactions. If you are stung and are having difficulty, seek medical treatment.
Red imported fire ants are dangerous to wildlife in Texas. In fact, they are one of the reasons for declining numbers in some species.
Why Do I Have a Fire Ant Problem?
It is common for red imported fire ants to nest along the edges of sidewalks and driveways. They may also establish mounds under slabs and in the soil near foundations. If you’ve discovered these ants inside your home, they likely entered through holes made for utility lines, gaps around A/C units, or gaps around doors and windows.
How Do I Get Rid of Fire Ants?
If you have fire ants in your yard or inside your structure, contact Adams Exterminating for help. Accurate identification of the ant is critical and our pest control technicians have the training, knowledge, and experience to control fire ants. In addition to protecting homes from common house-infesting bugs and pests, our home pest control programs include exterior fire ant control treatments so you homeowners can enjoy their yards. Contact us today for more information about controlling fire ants in Lewisville, Denton, Frisco, and Plano as well as elsewhere in our North Texas service area.
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