Fire ants with reddish-brown bodies are small, ranging from 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Their segmented bodies have three distinct parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Fire ants also have bent antennae and a stinger at the end of their abdomen, which they use to deliver painful stings.
Fire ants are omnivorous and feed on various foods, including insects, seeds, sugary substances, and proteins.
Fire ants can be harmful. They are highly aggressive and will swarm when their mounds are disturbed, issuing painful stings. Their venom can cause itching, swelling, and, in some cases, allergic reactions. In rare cases, symptoms may be severe and require medical attention.
Fire ants build dome-shaped mounds in open, sunny areas such as lawns, gardens, and pastures. Their nests may also appear near sidewalks, driveways, and foundations.
Fire ant mounds can reach several inches in height and often have no visible entrance hole.
Fire ant mounds often become more visible after rainstorms because the saturated soil forces the ants to move their activity closer to the surface. Fire ants build extensive underground tunnel systems to protect their colonies, and heavy rains can flood these tunnels, driving the ants upward to avoid drowning.
The mounds serve as a temporary shelter for the colony and help the ants maintain access to oxygen while the ground dries out. Rain also softens the soil, making it easier for fire ants to construct or expand their mounds. After a storm, you may notice these dome-shaped mounds in lawns, gardens, or open areas where the ants have relocated to escape the flooded conditions below.
This behavior highlights fire ants' adaptability and is one reason they are so difficult to control. Addressing mounds promptly after they appear is essential to managing fire ant infestations effectively.
Fire ants do not often infest homes; they prefer to build their colonies outdoors in soil, lawns, or open areas. However, they may enter homes searching for food, water, or shelter, especially during extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, drought, or extreme heat.
When fire ants invade, they typically target kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms, where food crumbs, sugary substances, or water are readily available. They can enter through cracks in foundations, gaps around doors and windows, or utility penetrations.
Signs of a fire ant infestation include:
DIY fire ant treatments like baits and insecticides can provide temporary relief, but fire ant colonies are challenging to eliminate completely. Professional pest control services are often more effective at targeting the entire colony and preventing re-infestation.
For relief from fire ants, contact Acre Pest Control. Our locally owned and operated pest control company offers treatments to eradicate fire ants in the Birmingham metro.
To prevent fire ants, keep your lawn well-maintained, seal cracks in your home’s foundation, and eliminate food sources such as sugary spills or open trash. Regular pest control treatments can also help deter these pests.
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