Are You Ready For Fire Ant Season?

May 31, 2018

There are many ants that come into our yards and get into our homes, but only one bites. Well, to be more specific, only one stings: it is the red imported fire ant, referred to scientifically as Solenopsis Invicta.

Over the last two decades, these ants have spread across North Carolina leaving only a few counties untouched. This is due in part to the favorable climate of the state. But it is also due to the aggressiveness of this ant species. They're not just aggressive to humans. They're aggressive to other ant species as well. And this makes them extremely successful at establishing their colonies and displacing the colonies of other ants. If fire ants didn't bite (and do all of the other things that make ants annoying) they'd probably be one of the most beneficial insects in the world. Sadly, they're not. They're the worst.

Getting rid of fire ants is a frustrating task for home and business owners. They are resourceful and resilient pests. If you're looking to eliminate these pests on your North Carolina property get professional assistance here. If you're looking to keep these ants out of your home, try these tips.

Red Imported Fire Ant Exclusion

• These ants prefer oily or greasy foods. Make sure exterior trash is in sealed containers to prevent attraction. And routinely wash cans to remove the scent of foods.
• Fire ants feed on a wide variety of insects. Everything you do to reduce insect in your yard will help to reduce these ants.
• They feed on plants. Make sure you have a 2-foot barrier between plants and your foundation wall.
• Do a detailed inspection of your outside walls and foundation. If you see gaps, cracks, holes, or other entry points, seal them. A caulking gun is a great tool for this.
• Trim plants, shrubs, and trees to keep fire ants from using them as a bridge.
• Fire ants can crawl up your walls, it is more likely this will happen if you have plants touching your exterior walls.

Baits and Chemicals

We don't recommend DIY methods for fire ant control. There are many pitfalls when attempting to eliminate fire ant nests. It can be dangerous and toxic to kids and pets. It can be dangerous to the person doing the treatment. And it can even make the problem worse if ant colonies split in response to the threat of extermination. The best course of action is to have an educated and experienced pest management professional deal with this issue.

For more information about our residential pest control plans, or to schedule a free estimate, reach out to A-1 Pest Control for immediate assistance.