Nobody likes it when ants invite themselves to the picnic. It’s even worse when those ants possess strong mandibles and a nasty stinger that doesn’t quit. Fire ants are fierce and spread like wildfire. An infestation on your property is a definitive way to make it a lot less inviting, and a lot more dangerous.
What Are Fire Ants?
Fire ants are most easily identified by their reddish appearance. They are two-segmented, with a pair of spines on the top of their midsection. They’re small pests, about ¼ inch to ½ inch long. The queens are slightly larger.
Fire ants live in mounds they build in open areas. They incorporate rocks and gravel into these nest mounds and create cemented caps on the tops to protect against wind. These nests can be up to three feet deep. They prefer sunlight over shaded areas, so they will often strip any surrounding vegetation away to prevent shading. This has a profound effect on areas of agriculture as they destroy any plant-life nearby.
Problems Caused By Fire Ants
There are several ways fire ants will wreak havoc on your property. Some problems are irritating, and some very are dangerous. A few examples are listed below.
The fire ants found in Utah are an aggressive species. Not only do they possess a powerful sting, but they are also vicious biters. The stings will leave painful sores that will cause discomfort for days and can cause anaphylaxis in people with an allergy to them.
Fire ants establish their nests in gardens or yards and will destroy the vegetation nearby. Your gardens will be devastated, your grass will be mangled, and their nesting habits will cause soil erosion. Between the danger of being bitten and stung, and the devastation these tiny terrors will leave across your lawn, fire ants make it difficult to enjoy your property to the fullest.
These ants are also drawn to electrical pulses. While the reason is unknown, what we know is that this affinity can cause serious trouble. Fire ants will invade electrical wiring causing damage to farm equipment, generators, and home electrical systems to name a few examples. This damage can have devastating consequences, causing electrical shorts or fires in your home.
Because their colonies can be so vast, and their nests an intricate web of deep tunnels, it takes a lot of skill to eradicate a colony. These colonies double their size every month through a process known as ‘budding’. A single colony will separate into several smaller colonies, spread into new areas, and take over before starting the process all over again.
If you suspect that you have a fire ant infestation on your property, you must act fast to curb the spread and keep your property safe. The best way to handle a fire ant infestation is with professional help. At Pest Pro Pest Control we have the knowledge, the skill, and the experience to eliminate any existing fire ant problem, and to keep them gone for good. We are fully committed to keeping Utah homes safe and pest-free, guaranteed.
For more information about how Pest Pro Pest Control can protect your Salt Lake City, UT home contact us today.