Dancing is meant to be fun, but when fire ants force you to do it, it becomes much less enjoyable. If you have ever stepped on a fire ant nest while barefoot, you know what we mean. These invasive and annoying pests turn yards into hazard zones and make hosting outdoor gatherings difficult. To help you keep fire ants off your New Braunfels property, here are a few tips and tricks that are guaranteed to satisfy.
What Are Fire Ants?
The red imported fire ant is a common species of ant native to New Braunfels and most southern areas of the United States. This 2.4 to 6 mm long, red and black pest has a segmented body, mandibles with four distinct teeth, a pair of 10-segmented antennae, and a visible stinger at its rear. Known for building their colonies around arid areas around yards, these pests are a huge problem not just to people but also to landscaping. As fire ant nests grow, they suffocate surrounding grass and other plants leaving bare spots around yards.
The Dangers Of Fire Ants
Red imported fire ants are unique in that they can both bite and sting. When attacking, they will use both of these weapons. Fire ants are most likely to attack when they feel threatened or are defending their colony. The venom injected through this pests sting causes a stinging, burning sensation around the affected area. Multiple stings can cause a large area to become red, inflamed, and moderately irritated. If you are allergic to insect venom, a few stings from this aggressive pest could put you in anaphylactic shock. To understand your risk, make sure to talk to your doctor.
Why Do Fire Ants Invade Yards?
Two things draw fire ants onto properties: reliable sources of food and water nearby and dry areas to build their nests. If your yard has an influx of dropped fruit, berries, honeydew, food scraps, and the unshaded regions, it will be more likely to attract these painful pests. To reduce your chances of a fire ant infestation, here are a few strategies to try:
- Pick up fruit and berries that drop in your yard.
- Clean up thoroughly after outdoor gatherings.
- Make sure your gutters are working correctly.
- Fix leaky piping and fixtures around your home.
- Eliminate sources of water build-up.
- Avoid feeding your pets outdoors.
Do Fire Ants Come Indoors?
Fire ants are not typically house pests but will invade if conditions are right. Fire ants will most often migrate their colonies indoors if the temperature outside is too hot or cold. They might also invade if food and water outside becomes scarce. To seal off your home to keep these pests out, use these five exclusion tips.
- Use a caulking gun and fill in gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior and around window/door frames.
- Repair damage to window/door screens.
- Make sure all of your exterior doors have door sweeps.
- Address problems with weatherstripping.
- Keep unscreened windows and doors closed as much as possible.
What Is The Best Way To Prevent Fire Ants?
Fire ants are one of the most challenging pests to eliminate and prevent. To guarantee these aggressive insects stay off your New Braunfels property, give the experts at Pinnacle Pest Defence a call. We will implement advanced pest control strategies around your property and monitor pest pressures with scheduled visits to ensure fire ants stay away. If you are looking for the best pest defense for your property, look no further than Pinnacle.
