What is a fire ant – Fire ants, thankfully, aren’t known for coming inside your home. They are, on the other hand, known for their ability to deliver a painful sting to anyone they deem a threat. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what to look for when potentially coming into contact with fire ants in Tennessee. Do you know how to identify fire ants on your property?
How to identify fire ants?
Traditionally, these ants are red and are about a quarter of an inch in size. In addition, another identifying factor that you may have fire ants are the mounds they build. These mounds are often constructed by electrical boxes and located far from buildings.Because fire ant colonies can grow very quickly, you may not be aware of a growing infestation until it is too late, and thousands of ants have invaded your property.
Fire Ant Mound
Why do they call them fire ants?
Fire ants are named for the burning pain they inflict. The sting of the fire ant is a two-stage process. Before stinging prey or intruders, the fire ant latches itself onto the victim with its prominent mandibles and thus anchors by biting. It then tucks up its abdomen under its body and stings. This process is incredibly painful, and you can be stung multiple times.
Are fire ants dangerous to humans?
Too many fire ant stings produce a pimple-like aftereffect and a slight burning sensation for a couple hours afterward. However, select individuals who may be more sensitive to insect stings may go into anaphylactic shock if stung. Though rare, fire ants have been known to kill humans with their sting because they are allergic to their venom.
How to stop these nuisance pests from getting onto your property?
If you’ve seen fire ants near your home, it’s vital to get the problem under control before your outdoor environment is overrun with them. DIY treatments usually fail to address the problem, which is that fire ant nests may be far from the initial point of contact. U.S. Pest Protection will provide a thorough inspection of the area and treat the ground where ant mounds are located with an appropriate amount of insecticide. We will also use ant bait to drive ants away from high-traffic areas where your family may try to relax. Contact us today and receive a complimentary inspection.
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