For homeowners, one of the most infuriating things is dealing with never-ending ants. Just when you think you have gotten rid of all of them, a hundred more appear from out of nowhere. The challenge becomes even worse when your enemy is not a regular ant but a fire ant. Although small, their sting is not just painful but harmful as well.
Fire ants may look like any other ant, but they are far more angry and aggressive. They will bite you any time they suspect danger. They move very quickly; they will respond to danger faster than other ants. If your house is infested with fire ants, you should not wait to call professional Pest Control in Mansfield. A professional intervention is crucial and necessary to get rid of these ants permanently and ensure you do not face them again.
What attracts fire ants?
Here are some factors attracting fire ants into your backyard:
- Water sources
- Damp areas
- Food sources: Plants, insects, sugary delights, oils, pet food, fruits, etc.
- Trash: Open garbage is an open invitation for fire ants.
- Electrical equipment: Fire ants love electrical equipment.
- Compost and mulch: They feed on it and make an area for nesting.
What are the dangers associated with fire ants?
Ants might not look dangerous, considering they are so small and tiny and easy to crush. However, they do pose dangers that you might not be aware of. Let us take a look at the dangers associated with fire ants below and understand how you can take the right steps to prevent them.
They are aggressive.
When their nests are disturbed, they can become aggressive. They will swarm towards you and attack in groups. Not only that, but they release pheromones that signal their friends from other colonies to come to the place of attack. So, it is better to stay out of their area.
They damage equipment.
Fire ants can destroy expensive equipment, such as lawnmowers and weed-eaters. Fire ants have tall mounds that can damage the device being used on the field. Additionally, they gnaw through wires of electrical equipment, which leads to short circuits. These pose both financial and safety risks.
They have a venomous sting.
Fire ants have a venomous sting, and they can sting you repeatedly, more than once. Not only are the stings painful, but they contain a toxic alkaloid venom called solenopsin. You can identify a fire ant by a group of swollen red spots that might itch and pain. They may appear like pimples. The itch gets stronger with time before it heals.
They affect the growth of plants.
Some crops, such as citrus and almonds, are more vulnerable to ant damage. However, fire ants can affect the growth of a wide variety of crops. They feed on the buds and fruits they find available. They are also a nuisance to turf, sod, and nurseries.
How to get rid of them permanently?
You should speak to a professional pest control service that can help you in such cases and get rid of these pests permanently. They will also guide you with other necessary precautions and measures you should follow.