What are fire ants?
Fire ants are a stinging pest that often infest yards in South Carolina. They are small ants that range in size from 1/16 to ¼ of an inch long and are dark reddish-brown to reddish-black in color. They are equipped with powerful jaws and stingers that are capable of inflicting multiple stings.
When are fire ants most active?
Why are they called fire ants?
They are called fire ants due to their painful sting, which can feel like a burning sensation. The name also reflects their reddish-brown color.
What do fire ant bites look like?
A fire ant bite is not a bite at all, but rather a sting. If you’re stung by a red ant, you’ll likely notice a burning or stinging sensation and then may observe a red welt. Of course, fire ants often attack in large numbers so there’s a good chance there will be more than one welt on your skin before they’re done.
Are fire ants dangerous?
Although fire ant stings are painful and may produce small blisters after several hours, they are not usually dangerous. Of course, some individuals may develop a serious allergic reaction that could include swelling, vomiting, stomach cramping, tightness in chest, difficulty in breathing, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Medical attention should be sought right away if any of these symptoms occur.
Do fire ants damage crops?
Yes, fire ants can be agricultural pests. They may damage crops by feeding on seeds and young plants. Their nesting mounds can also interfere with farming equipment. What’s more, when fire ants infest pastures, they can have a serious impact on livestock.
What do fire ants eat?
Fire ants are omnivores, meaning that they will eat anything that’s available to them including insects, small vertebrates, and organic material like plants. They’ll also consume meats, sweets, and greasy foods if available.
Where are fire ants found?
Fire ants like to build mounds in open, sunny areas. Common mound building sites include along driveways and sidewalks, lawns, fields, and pastures. Fire ants crawl indoors in search of food and water sources and nesting sites when the weather is extremely hot, extremely dry, or when significant rain drives them out of their nests. Wall voids, potted plants, and areas where food is stored are common places to find these stinging pests.
Is it hard to get rid of fire ants on your own?
Fire ants are tough to exterminate because it’s imperative that you kill the queen in order to eliminate the colony. You cannot rely on DIY fire ant control products to take care of the problem. In fact, if not used properly or in the right places, these products will likely exacerbate the infestation.
How do I get rid of fire ants?
At Harris Pest Control, we offer effective fire ant control in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Darlington, as well as throughout the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions of South Carolina. When you reach out for help getting rid of fire ants and their unsightly mounds, one of our pest control specialists will come out to perform a free fire ant inspection and then recommend a treatment plan that will eliminate these notorious ants.
If you’re looking for guaranteed fire ant protection and are ready to take back your lawn, reach out today!
