There are many different kinds of pests that you might encounter in your Austin home. From rodents to spiders to bed bugs, pests are a common problem that all homeowners encounter at one point or another. One of the most common pests in the area is ants.
There are many different species of ants, and most of them are an issue because they contaminate food sources and are hard to get rid of. However, certain species of ants can be more of a problem. While carpenter ants can destroy the wood on your property, fire ants are the ones that cause painful bites.
These ants are often seen outside, and you’ve likely noticed them coming out of small dirt piles. While you may have seen these ants before, and you’ll definitely know if you’ve been bitten by one, here is an overview of how to identify them.
2 to 6 mm long.
Reddish-brown with reddish-black lower abdomens.
Prefer warmer areas.
Nest in places like parks, meadows, and even near sidewalks.
What Problems Do Fire Ants Cause?
The main problem with fire ants is the bites that they cause. These bites can be painful and leave you with burning and itching. While these bites aren’t really dangerous, they are very uncomfortable, and they can cause allergic reactions in some people. Pets can also be stung by fire ants with the same impact.
The other main concern with fire ants is how hard they are to get rid of. Just one colony can have over 20,000. Nests can be several feet wide underground, and can also contain several queens.
Because they can have several queens, it can harder than usual to get rid of this species. Unless every queen is killed, they will most likely keep coming back. They are a hardy pest. So, even using things like chemicals and other do it yourself methods doesn't always work. This is because the ants, when threatened, will do whatever they can to protect at least one of their queens.
Fire Ant Prevention Tips
Since fire ants are so difficult to get rid of, one of the best ways to address the problem is to stop it before it ever starts. Prevention methods can help, but they are not completely effective either. There are still some things you can do, however.
Check the exterior of your home for gaps and holes.
Install door sweeps and check screens for tears.
Keep trash sealed outside and make sure to not leave food sources including pet food outside.
Protecting Your Home From Fire Ants
The best way to prevent ants and protect your home from them is to contact the experts at Roberts Termite & Pest Control, Inc. We have over 60 years of experience helping homeowners in the Austin area protect and eliminate pests. We can help prevent fire ants as well as eliminate them if they are in your house or around your property.