Ants are well-known across the globe and with tens if not hundreds of thousands of species, people are familiar with their intrusions to BBQs, picnics, and especially homes and businesses. The most notorious ant in Texas is the Red Imported Fire Ant so it stands to reason that the people in Austin, TX can recognize them when they see one. These aggressive, reddish-brown ants are famous for their painful stings and visible, dome-shaped soil mounds in sunny yards. Today, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like to take the opportunity to elaborate on fire ants.
Fire Ant Identification
The painful stings and bites the red imported fire ants inflict are notorious. These ants scurry around on 6 legs that extend from segmented, oval bodies that are a dark reddish brown. Featuring standard antennae and range from 1/8” to 3/8” long, red fire ants are fairly distinguishable. The flattened, irregular in shaped, but somewhat large mounds average between two- and four-square feet in size.
Where are Fire Ants Found?
Fire ants are commonly introduced into new areas via the potted plants, shrubs and trees. The red imported fire ants usually nest in soil in that is nearby to structural foundations or in landscaping. Though red fire ants prefer to stay outside, they will infiltrate buildings through HVAC systems and AC units.
Fire Ant Stings
Those who report stings, describe it as relentlessly stinging when the nest is disturbed. The result of a red imported fire ant’s sting is a raised welt that evolves into a white pustule. Victims of the red imported fire ants’ sting will also note they receive multiple stings from more than one of the ants. People must exercise caution people can experience ranging allergic reactions to their stings, from mild to severe.
How to Prevent Fire Ants
With a little dedication and preventative measures, you can avoid fire ant intrusions. Stay clear from the red fire ants and their signature mound nests to avoid stings. When interfering with a fire ant nest, it then motivates them to sting, where if you stay away, you can avoid earning the painful welts. Ensure that all internal and external cracks and crevices are properly sealed along with ventilation and utility lines in order to avoid their infiltration indoors.
Fire Ant Colony
Generally comprising of the 1 queen and workers, fire and colonies can easily have over 200,000 ant members in them. Extending up to 25 feet away from the mound, their nests can feature underground tunnels. Within their ant’s lifecycle, they experience 4 stages; the stages include the egg, larvae, pupae, and adults. A fire ant’s diet can consist of seeds, dead animals, honeydew, plant nectar, fruit, and they are partial to fatty foods. Before the mounds are big enough to be seen, they fire ants typically work on them for months.
Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Where there are so many ants in a colony, and they travel a fairly long distance to forage, they can be a challenge to remove. Call A-Tex Pest Management and let our certified professionals effectively eliminate them!
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