The Ants, The Ants, The Ants Are On Fire: Understanding And Treating Fire Ants
The sight of a few ants should not frighten you, but seeing mounds of fire ants around your home can scare you enough to set your yard on fire. Of course, other, safer options are available to treat fire ants. With this guide, you will understand the dangers of fire ants and learn how to rid your home and yard of these pests.
Understanding Fire Ants
Mounds of dirt around your yard may be actual nests of ants. If you notice the ants coming from these mounds are red or reddish brown in color, they are most likely fire ants.
You may think these nests in the yard are not actual problems, but these ants can quickly make their way into your own home. Over time, fire ants can move from their mounds to the walls, roof, and floor of your home, causing damage that is similar to termite damage.
The potential damage to your landscaping and home is problematic, but fire ants can also affect your health and wellness. These problematic ants bite and sting, causing pain and dangerous allergic reactions.
If bitten by a fire ant, you may experience pain that radiates around the skin. Swelling and redness around the actual bite will also occur. This inflammation can also lead to itchiness and discomfort that can last a few hours.
Unfortunately, many people will suffer from an allergic reaction to a fire ant sting. Signs of an allergic reaction include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In severe instances, you may struggle to breathe. If you believe you are having an allergic reaction to a fire ant, seek out immediate medical attention. Each year, an estimated 90 to 100 deaths occur from an allergic reaction after an insect sting.
Treating Fire Ants
If you see one or more mounds around your home, act fast to prevent damage to your home and health.
An application of insecticide directly to the ant mounds is beneficial. However, applying an insecticide to the perimeter of your home is also important. Make sure to focus this insecticide on common areas where fire ants may enter, such as around the crawlspace and the exterior of doors and window frames.
Moisture attracts ants and other pests, so managing the moisture levels in and around your home is smart. Make sure your lawn is mowed regularly to reduce moisture content in the grass.
Also, ensure gutters are clean and free of debris. This will help move rainwater away from the home and yard, which will help prevent ants and other pests.
Fire ants may not set your home on fire, but they can lead to home damage and health hazards. This guide and your pest control team will help you understand and treat a fire ant problem. For more information, check out a website like http://www.bugbusterssc.net.