Size is not always the best indicator of danger, which is why so many home and business owners underestimate the dangers associated with fire ants and their many colonies.
Fire ants are a species of ant that is indigenous to South America, although today they can be found in just about every country. Fire ants are easily identified by their venomous, painful bites, but many physical characteristics distinguish these creatures from one another. A few of these include:
- Red, rusty red, or bright brown color patterns
- Small ants measuring about 2 to 6 millimeters
- Ant colonies that appear to be in large groups or ‘hills’ that seem to poke out of the ground around sidewalks and driveways
Fire ants are colony pests that work together to produce the best outcome for their offspring. It is relatively uncommon to have foraging fire ants in the home, but it is certainly not out of the question. Fire ants will eat anything and everything available on the lawn, from compost, refuse to garbage bags to food crumbs left out after a barbeque. There are many reasons why fire ants could be infesting your home, but the most likely answer is because of their affinity for food and water sources.
Fire ants certainly pack a punch with their stings, but many people fail to recognize the true dangers associated with this painful pest. Let’s take a look at some of the most compelling reasons to get rid of fire ants as soon as possible.
The Real Dangers Of The Wilmington Fire Ant
Fire ants can be extremely dangerous pests to have in the yard, especially for those with allergies or other susceptibilities. The sting of a fire ant contains a kind of poison that rarely kills humans, but may cause anaphylactic shock in allergic individuals. The results of an allergic reaction to fire ant bites will cause hospitalization, medical emergencies, and even death.
Worse still, fire ants may be extraordinarily destructive on the lawn. Not only can they reduce the amount of time spent outdoors, but they can n quickly and easily chew through the lush grass and fertile lawn. Some species of fire ant may be attracted to the electricity found in HVAC machines or electrical wiring, which will lead the pests to chew through insulation and drywall to find what they are looking for.
Perhaps the most problematic part of a fire ant infestation has to do with their overall formidability. Fire ants are extremely difficult to kill entirely, and usually are quite hardy against over-the-counter baits and sprays. When under pressure, fire ants have the ability to disperse and recolonize to save their species. If the strain is great enough, the colony will ‘bud’ into multiple colonies to save as many ants as possible.
If fire ants have crawled into your home this spring, you will need more than just positive thinking. Schedule a home inspection with Jay Taylor Exterminating to evaluate the extent of the fire ant problem on your property.
Do It Right – Call Jay Taylor Exterminating
No matter how certain you are that fire ants won’t be bothering your Wilmington home, you won’t want to be taking any chances. Don’t leave your health, wealth, and happiness up to chance this spring. Instead, call a professional fire ant exterminator through the award-winning team at Jay Taylor Exterminating.
Give us a call today at Jay Taylor Exterminating to address the fire ant concerns on your property, or have your questions answered during a one-on-one inspection consultation. Let’s get started on solutions today!