Ant Prevention Tips Curated For Pensacola Residents

fire ants fighting on a tree branch
|

Fire ants represent one of the pests known for attacking in groups resulting in multiple, painful stings. Experts believe that fire ants entered the U.S. from South America, where they now act as an invasive species that drives away other, less aggressive pests. The body of a fire ant usually measures from 1/8 to ¼ of an inch and appears in shades of red, brown, or black.

Fire ants form massive colonies that quickly may result in unmanageable infestations. Do fire ants have venom? Fire ants will emerge and hostilely defend their nest by attaching themselves to your skin and delivering a venomous sting containing a toxin that is a water-insoluble alkaloid.

Victims of stinging fire ants typically experience a “burning” pain, and itchy pustules usually develop on the skin. Some individuals experience much more severe reactions that require medical attention.

Is a colony of fire ants developing on your property? A dependable and established Pensacola pest control company employs properly trained specialists who understand the best methods for how to get rid of fire ants in your yard and the best preventative measures for limiting future problems.

How To Tell If There Are Fire Ants In Your Yard

Fire ants in Pensacola commonly establish underground nests in open areas with substantial sunlight that contain multiple entrances for accommodating huge numbers of ants. Other nesting locations include voids beneath pavement or fallen trees.

Are you wondering how to identify fire ants? Fire ant “mounds” may measure three to four inches off the ground and span 20+ inches across.

Do fire ants have wings? Some fire ants called “alates” that are responsible for reproduction have wings.

What To Do If You've Been Bitten By Fire Ants

Are there good ways how to stop fire ant bites from itching? Those who experience mild symptoms may clean the skin with soap and water and apply ice to reduce any pain. Try over-the-counter antihistamines or topical steroid formulas to soothe areas of itchy skin. Some research suggests that a solution of 50% bleach and 50% water will provide relief.

Avoid excessively scratching at these or other types of bites because you might open a wound that results in secondary infection. Some of the indications of a serious allergic reaction include trouble breathing, nausea, or dizziness.

Five Simple Fire Ant Prevention Tips

The peak seasons for fire ant activity are spring and fall—particularly amid mild weather conditions. During periods of extreme heat or cold, fire ants often remain deeply burrowed underground. Some of the best preventative tips include:

  • Limit food sources by cleaning up thoroughly after picnics or barbeques, placing any garbage bags containing food scraps in durable trash receptacles, and never leaving bowls of uneaten pet food outdoors. 
  • Some researchers suggest that orange oil will repel fire ants.
  • Keep yard areas free of unnecessary clutter or debris, such as leaves or other vegetation. 
  • Seal exterior electrical components and utility boxes or housings to prevent ant intrusion. 
  • Promptly shovel any developing ant mounds out of the soil, such as in garden areas, and consider applying diazinon or chlorpyrifos spray around the perimeter as a deterrent.

Property owners should regularly inspect the yard area for any fire ant activity. Detecting colonies of these pests early will usually generate the best results.

The Key To Keeping Fire Ants Away For Good

The local experts with EnSec Pest & Lawn use many of the latest products and treatment methods for eliminating fire ants. For example, we may apply a soil additive that will prevent subterranean fire ants for nearly one year.  

Keep in mind that our organization is also available to assist with termites, bed bugs, and a host of other undesirable pests. Contact our office today for a consultation.

Fire ants represent one of the pests known for attacking in groups resulting in multiple, painful stings. Experts believe that fire ants entered the U.S. from South America, where they now act as an invasive species that drives away other, less aggressive pests. The body of a fire ant usually measures from 1/8 to ¼ of an inch and appears in shades of red, brown, or black.

Fire ants form massive colonies that quickly may result in unmanageable infestations. Do fire ants have venom? Fire ants will emerge and hostilely defend their nest by attaching themselves to your skin and delivering a venomous sting containing a toxin that is a water-insoluble alkaloid.

Victims of stinging fire ants typically experience a “burning” pain, and itchy pustules usually develop on the skin. Some individuals experience much more severe reactions that require medical attention.

Is a colony of fire ants developing on your property? A dependable and established Pensacola pest control company employs properly trained specialists who understand the best methods for how to get rid of fire ants in your yard and the best preventative measures for limiting future problems.

How To Tell If There Are Fire Ants In Your Yard

Fire ants in Pensacola commonly establish underground nests in open areas with substantial sunlight that contain multiple entrances for accommodating huge numbers of ants. Other nesting locations include voids beneath pavement or fallen trees.

Are you wondering how to identify fire ants? Fire ant “mounds” may measure three to four inches off the ground and span 20+ inches across.

Do fire ants have wings? Some fire ants called “alates” that are responsible for reproduction have wings.

What To Do If You've Been Bitten By Fire Ants

Are there good ways how to stop fire ant bites from itching? Those who experience mild symptoms may clean the skin with soap and water and apply ice to reduce any pain. Try over-the-counter antihistamines or topical steroid formulas to soothe areas of itchy skin. Some research suggests that a solution of 50% bleach and 50% water will provide relief.

Avoid excessively scratching at these or other types of bites because you might open a wound that results in secondary infection. Some of the indications of a serious allergic reaction include trouble breathing, nausea, or dizziness.

Five Simple Fire Ant Prevention Tips

The peak seasons for fire ant activity are spring and fall—particularly amid mild weather conditions. During periods of extreme heat or cold, fire ants often remain deeply burrowed underground. Some of the best preventative tips include:

  • Limit food sources by cleaning up thoroughly after picnics or barbeques, placing any garbage bags containing food scraps in durable trash receptacles, and never leaving bowls of uneaten pet food outdoors. 
  • Some researchers suggest that orange oil will repel fire ants.
  • Keep yard areas free of unnecessary clutter or debris, such as leaves or other vegetation. 
  • Seal exterior electrical components and utility boxes or housings to prevent ant intrusion. 
  • Promptly shovel any developing ant mounds out of the soil, such as in garden areas, and consider applying diazinon or chlorpyrifos spray around the perimeter as a deterrent.

Property owners should regularly inspect the yard area for any fire ant activity. Detecting colonies of these pests early will usually generate the best results.

The Key To Keeping Fire Ants Away For Good

The local experts with EnSec Pest & Lawn use many of the latest products and treatment methods for eliminating fire ants. For example, we may apply a soil additive that will prevent subterranean fire ants for nearly one year.  

Keep in mind that our organization is also available to assist with termites, bed bugs, and a host of other undesirable pests. Contact our office today for a consultation.