There are several species of ants that can be found in your yard and even invading your house and other structures. They are a pest that usually works with a colony to collect food and protect the queen no matter what species you are dealing with. There are some ants that are notorious for their behaviors such as the red imported fire ant. They are an ant species that are dangerous to you and your family because they are quite aggressive and their sting is painful. That is why it is important to know why red fire ants are a problem and what you can do about them.
A-Tex Pest Management Lists Facts About Red Imported Fire Ants
Red Imported Fire Ants Are Invasive: As their name would suggest, red imported fire ants are not actually a species that is native to the United States. They are found in Argentina and Brazil where they are a huge problem. They made their way to the US in the 1900s. Fire ants are still new enough that many people are not sure how exactly to deal with them. One of the common characteristics that make them a problem is that they are very invasive. A single colony can have up to half a million ants! That makes them a real problem for the unlucky homeowner that has a mound on their property.
Location of Fire Ant Colonies: Fire ants are a pest that likes to have their nest in an area that is open wide and in an area that gets a lot of suns. Although this is a great spot for them they will settle. They have been found nesting under logs, bricks and even houses! The tunnels that they use are able to go quite deep in the ground that can reach up to three feet. That means that nothing is off-limits for a colony of fire ants.
Fire Ants Reproduce & Spread Fast: One of the largest problems that people have with fire ants is that they are quick to reproduce. That means that an infestation is something that can become a huge problem and should be taken care of by a professional. If the colony has a single queen they can lay over a thousand eggs in a day! The interesting thing is that the colony can have even more than one queen. While each queen can continue to reproduce the colony will get larger and larger. The workers are able to protect the colony and collect food but they only live for about six weeks. That does not mean that the colony will die off and be gone because the queen has a very long life span reaching seven years!
How to Get Rid of Fire Ants: The best-tried method of removing them yourself takes a lot of effort. You have to get large buckets and a shovel that you can use to remove the dirt one scoop at a time. Then the dirt has to be taken out of your yard and to a place that they are able to live without being attacked. The better option is to call a professional that has the ability to treat the ant infestation for you.
Fire Ant Control & More In Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
Fire ants are extremely aggressive and will attack in swarms. It is common for them to run up your let when their nest is disturbed and each fire ant can sting several times. Stings itch and hurt and this can last for up to a week. Some people have dangerous allergic reactions and will need to seek immediate medical help. A-Tex Pest Management offers pest control services to treat your home for unwanted pests that include fire ants. Call us today!