Why Are Fire Ants So Hard To Get Off My Nashville Property?
Have you ever been walking outdoors and felt a tiny pinprick of pain on your skin? At first, you might think a mosquito bit you. But all you see is a tiny reddish ant. Could this small creature be the thing that stung you? Absolutely! Whether you have or haven’t heard about fire ants, there is a lot you need to know about these painful pests. To find out why these common yard pests invade Nashville properties and to uncover why they are so challenging to get rid of, let’s take an in-depth look at them. Here is everything you need to know about fire ants.
What Are Fire Ants?
Several species of ants live here in Nashville. Some invade homes; others prefer to live outdoors. Fire ants almost exclusively live outside, specifically around dry and warm areas. If your yard is heavily shaded and gets the proper amount of water, these pests will be much less likely to be a problem. Dry, sunny yards, on the other hand, can be overrun by these pests.
Identify fire ants by their small size, dull-red bodies, and dark hind sections. Not all fire ants build nests in the same way. Most species create piles above the surface of the ground with dirt they excavate from below. These piles can grow to be over a foot tall. Nests around yards, however, rarely grow to be this large.
The Dangers Of Fire Ants
Fire ant bites are not dangerous to the average person, but they are painful. Unlike other pests that either bite or sting, fire ants can do both. When attacking, these small pests often sting and bite several times. Step on one of their mounds barefoot and you are sure to be covered in bites and stings from the ankle down in a matter of seconds. Several stings from fire ants give off a burning/stinging sensation across the skin and often become incredibly itchy. If you are not careful, scratching welts on your skin may lead to infection.
If you are allergic to insect venom, fire ants are a much more significant threat to you. Although fire ants are much smaller than bees and wasps, they are still capable of causing an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. If you are unsure whether or not you are allergic to these pests, consult with your doctor.
How Hard Are Fire Ants To Get Rid Of
Many species of ants have one queen per colony. If their queen dies, everything falls apart. Fire ants, on the other hand, have multiple queens. This provides them with an extra layer of security against threats. This makes them one of the most challenging yard pests to eliminate using DIY methods. If you do not know what you are doing, or do not have the right tools and treatments needed for the job, you will find it nearly impossible to remove these painful pests on your own. Even if you do find a method that works, it only takes one queen escaping for a new colony to start in another location on your property.
The Only Way To Effectively Remove Fire Ants
If you are having trouble with fire ants around your Nashville property, there is one option guaranteed to work and that is professional pest control. At Urbanex, we get fire ants. We know what methods work best in different situations and we have the tools and treatments needed to get the job done right, every time.
Reach out to us today with questions about our services or to schedule your Nashville home for a visit.
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