Have you ever been forced to dance against your will? If not, then you have probably not walked over a fire ant nest barefoot. There is nothing that will get a person hopping, skipping, and flailing faster than these small, painful pests. If you have never taken a moment to think about fire ants and why they are taking up residences on Cedar Hill properties, we have some things for you to consider today.
How Fire Ants Hurt People
Some pests sting. Some pests bite. Fire ants sting and bite. Bites cause mild sharp pain and do not leave any lasting wounds on the skin. Stings are where the real pain comes in. The venom of a fire ant causes an immediate stinging sensation followed by a burning, irritating, pinching feeling. This feeling will be stronger, with more venom, and may last for several hours before fading into itchiness.
If you are allergic to insect venom, a group of stings from fire ants could be life-threatening. To understand your risk, talk to your doctor. They will perform the needed tests and make sure you have medication like an EpiPen in case severe symptoms from a sting occur.
Why Fire Ants Build Nests Inside Yards
Fire ants prefer hot weather and will regularly build their nests around parks, playgrounds, golf courses, pastures, meadows, and lawns. Things that might encourage these pests to build on your property include available food sources nearby and moisture. If you don’t know, fire ants live on a diet of insects, arthropods, arachnids, and sweets like honeydew and sugary beverages. To find water, fire ants draw moisture from plants, look for puddles, and find collected rainwater. During times of drought, these pests will tunnel underground to find moisture further down.
What Causes Fire Ants To Invade Homes?
Fire ants prefer to live outdoors and will only invade a home if it is absolutely necessary. Keeping this in mind, you are most likely to find these pests inside your home during times of drought, flooding, and when the weather outside becomes cold. When invading living areas, fire ants will build nests inside wall voids and in other secluded areas away from human foot traffic.
Ways To Prevent Fire Ants
There are many ways to reduce your chances of finding fire ants on your property. To help you keep these pests away, here are some DIY prevention tips to try.
- Keep your yard clean of clutter and debris.
- Eliminate sources of water build-up around your property.
- Make sure your gutters are in good working condition.
- Clean up thoroughly after outdoor gatherings.
- Avoid feeding your pets outdoors or clean out their bowls after every meal.
- Pick up fruits and berries that drop into your yard.
- Seal gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Make sure your window/door screens are in good condition.
- Install door sweeps around your home’s exterior.
How To Eliminate A Fire Ant Colony
Eliminating fire ants in Cedar Hill is difficult, mainly because they split their colonies when they sense danger. If you don’t kill every ant on your first treatment attempt, you could end up with even more nests in your yard only a few days later. To make sure these pests are handled properly, hire the experts at ProActive Pest Services.
We offer a range of quality pest control services to identify, eliminate, and prevent dangerous pests like fire ants. Call our team now to walk through your options and find a solution that best fits your Cedar Hill home’s needs.
