Fire Ants are dangerous insects that can take down larger prey, sting and inject venom in unison and destroy the surrounding ecosystem. They are not guests that one would want in or around a home. Introduced in the 1930s, they have become permanent residents in a number of southern states. Homeowners must take precautions to protect their investment and their loved ones from these fearless invaders.

A Visit to the Hospital

Annually 25,000 people in the southeast look for medical care due to fire ant bites, reactions and bacterial infections. Financially, they cost Americans $6 billion dollars a year, including insecticides. They are aggressive insects with no natural enemies. A mound near a home must be completely eliminated. They are known as a threat to people and to have attacked homeowners’ pets.

Methods for Eliminating Fire Ants

Locate the mound. The colony can be near a building, tree, electrical box or in the open. There is no central opening. 80% of people attempt to control fire ants by treating each mound. Mound treatment must kill the queen of the colony. It is more useful to treat the entire yard with a product specially designed for broadcast application. Below are a list of various treatments that may need to be combined to eradicate the colony.

1. Biological pests can be introduced, such as parasitic nematodes, but can either die out or spread once released.

2. Home remedies include pouring 2 or 3 gallons of practically boiling water on the mound and works about 60 percent of the time. The use of chlorine, gasoline or ammonia is dangerous and can contaminate the ground and water.

3. If going organic, look for products with d-limonene or spinosad.

4. Chemical controls must be carefully applied. Products that are to be applied near electrical utility boxes or within a home are not easily available and some are to only be handled by professionals. Insecticides, fire ant baits and a long-term commitment may be necessary to protect your home.

A residential pest control service can help identify the type of ants and determine the best course of treatment for the infestation. Contact Preventative Pest Control to find a branch near you.

For more information about ants and ant infestation,you can visit Preventive Ant Control.