Pest control in Pensacola is a year-round challenge that is not for the faint of heart! We love this area for its climate and proximity to the water – but so do all sorts of wildlife and critters that aren’t particularly good neighbors.
One of the more interesting animals that burden us in this area is also one of the most bothersome and unwelcome in and around the home: fire ants!
Many find fire ants to be beautiful, and they are indeed interesting in appearance. A fire ant hill in your yard is no cause for celebration, however. These bright red ants pack a serious punch, and are some of the most territorial animals you may come across as a homeowner.
We’re looking at some fast facts you can arm yourself with today to steer clear of fire ants.
Easy-To-Spot Signs Of Fire Ants
If you want to know how to get rid of fire ants, it’s worth looking at the signs of their presence so that you can act quickly in the event of an infestation.
- Mounds of loose soil
- An ant hill that has no hole in the top (like a volcano)
- Mounds appearing on your lawn after rainfall
- Red ants identified visually – there aren’t many insects that look like these critters, so trust your gut if you see ants that are red.
- These ant mounds may seem dormant, but there are hundreds or thousands of fire ants underneath them. Disturbing the mounds can be dangerous without professional intervention. Of course, that begs the question, “What do fire ants look like?”
There won’t be any confusion if you do see them! They’re often bright red in color and are quite interesting to look at – or would be, if not for their aggressive demeanor.
Why Fire Ants Are More Problematic Than Other Ants
Fire ants in Pensacola are territorial, aggressive, and won’t shy away from a fight. Worse still, these bugs have a venomous sting that can cause welts and blisters. These ants, though interesting to look at, are a serious hazard to interact with.
So, knowing that, can fire ants kill you? Highly unlikely, though there is a potentiality for causing a life-threatening reaction in specific individuals.
The Factors That Can Attract Fire Ants To Your Home
There are a number of reasons why you may see a fire ant mound in your yard. Usually, there’s not much fault on the part of the homeowner. These ants are seriously good at scouting and covering territory, so it’s basically an inevitability that some would find their way onto our property.
Readily available food and water sources are a huge attractor for fire ants. In fact, the most common time people are likely to see fire ants is right after a sufficient rainfall. These ants tend to stay underground in order to stay cool but come to the surface during rainfall because their tunnels flood.
If you have a lawn that tends to pool or hold lots of standing water after a rainfall, it could bring fire ants to your property.
Call The Pros At The First Sign Of Fire Ants On Your Property
Now that you know what fire ants look like, you are well-ready to act quickly in the event of their showing up on your property. Call EnSec Pest & Lawn to get a headstart on reclaiming your home and property from ants and other pests.
Fire ants, though interesting, are a seriously unwelcome sight in and around the home. Don’t make the mistake of waiting, as you may be exposing yourself and others to stings that can cause serious complications.
If you see a red fire ant, appreciate its beauty, but get away and get your phone out as soon as possible!