Living in Texas gives residents the opportunity to experience everything big. From local Texas barbecues to wide-open spaces, Texas offers the best of everything. However, our state can also offer up some pretty nasty pests and insects that we are forced to deal with. Fire ants are one of those nuisances. Fire ants are faster, stronger and their bites are more painful than your regular house ant that is just out searching for food and water. Fire ants can inflict a greater number of bites in a very short amount of time, and its victims rarely notice they are being attacked until the damage has already begun.
Fire Ant Colonies
The most common type of fire ant colony will build large sand mounds in open areas that are easy to spot and fairly stereotypical of what an ant mound looks like. For the most part, fire ants feed on young plants and seeds. However, a fire ant will also attack and feed on fairly young animals and can even kill them. When a fire ant bites its victim, it grips the skin, then it will sting and inject a toxic alkaloid venom called Solenopsin. A sting from a fire ant is extremely painful, it gives the sensation that feels similar to being burned by fire. In much more serious cases, the after-effects of the sting can be deadly to sensitive people.
Aggressive Fire Ants
Fire ants are much more aggressive than any other species of ant. They often push other species out of their local habitats. Fire ants are known for being able to survive extreme conditions, from immense heat to very cold temperatures. Fire ants do have preferable environments; moist with humid air, damp soil near river banks, pond shores, watered lawns, and highway shoulders but they can also set up camp in your backyard. In a lot of cases, fire ant nests cannot be easily seen. This can cause dangerous situations, especially if there is a nest in tall grass where children are playing. Fire ants can quickly crawl up the legs of a child, even when the child has only been standing on the nest for just a few seconds. It is important to always be alert and keep your eyes out for fire ants. If you do see fire ants on your property, it is imperative for the safety of your family and pets and you start the process of fire ant extermination immediately.
Major Nuisance Pest
Fire ants are a major nuisance pest and an insect you do not want anywhere on your property or near your home. If you suspect that fire ants are invading your property, it is time to call in a professional. A-Tex Pest Management is your number one choice in combating fire ants and protecting you, your family and your property from the threat of fire ants. Call us today for a free consultation!