June 22, 2020 - Ants
Whether you own a home or business in Lake County, you know that having a safe, enjoyable outdoor space is important to both your family and your customers. No one wants to walk across the lawn only to accidentally upset a fire ant mound and discover the terrors that occur after these insects begin their stinging rampage. Protecting the people who use your outdoor space is essential, which means that it's important to implement effective fire ant control. If you're a Lake County property owner, here’s what you need to know about fire ants.
What Are Fire Ants?
Fire ants are small, reddish-brown insects found throughout the United States. They thrive in hot, dry climates making Lake County an ideal habitat. They grow to less than half an inch in length and have six legs and a pair of antennae. Fire ants live in colonies in large mound nests that they build. These mounds can be anywhere from two to four square feet in size and are often built near structures or in landscaping.
Are Fire Ants Dangerous?
Fire ants get their name from the painful stings they inflict as well as their reddish color. These stings leave the victim with a burning sensation at the site of the sting and a raised welt or pustule that can become infected. One fire ant can sting more than one time, which means that even an encounter with a single fire ant can end with multiple stings.
Fire ant stings often occur when you accidentally disturb a fire ant mound. When this happens, it’s common for fire ants to swarm and for you to end up covered in many painful stings. Young children, the elderly, and people who are allergic to insect stings are at the highest risk for serious complications due to fire ant stings. If you experience an allergic reaction, symptoms typically develop rapidly and should be treated immediately.
Although they live in the mounded nests that they build outdoors, it’s common for fire ants to get into buildings. Their small size allows them to crawl in through small cracks or HVAC systems, AC units, and wiring. Once fire ants get inside, it increases the likelihood of someone suffering from their stings.
Why Are Fire Ants Hard To Get Rid Of?
Fire ants are difficult to eliminate from Lake County properties for a couple of reasons. First, their colonies grow quickly. Within a month, a new colony can have thousands of members. Many fire ant colonies have more than one queen, which helps aid in the process of rapid population growth.
Although they aggressively defend their mound nest, fire ants do not require it to survive. If it’s disturbed or destroyed, fire ants will quickly disperse. This can end up leading to an even worse problem than before as the fire ants recolonize. Where you once had one fire ant colony to deal with, you may now find yourself with several.
What’s The Best Way To Eliminate Fire Ants?
Do-it-yourself home fire ant control often leads to the disbursement and recolonization of fire ants. If you find a mound or other evidence of a fire ant infestation on your Lake County property, the best thing to do is call the professionals at Pest Ref Services.
Our professional service technicians are knowledgeable about fire ant habits and biology and are experienced in inspecting, identifying, and eliminating fire ant colonies from Lake County properties. We will take care of your fire ant problem safely, efficiently, and effectively. Contact us to schedule your service visit today.
Just had Benjamin come out and do an initial pest service on our home. I highly recommend his business. He was on time, EXTREMELY thorough with every inch of our home and was professional and so affordable. I’m so glad I ran into him on facebook. If you’re looking to switch services, now is the time!
