​Putting Out the Fire: How to Reduce Fire Ants

Enjoying time outside in your yard, on a walk, or in public places like a park can often be ruined by fire ants. These invasive pests are formally known as red imported fire ants or RIFAs. They’re a common species of ant in North Carolina. They’re not native to the United States as they were accidentally imported to Alabama from South America in the 1930s. Since then, they’ve expanded throughout the southeast region. They may be small in size, but they’re known to cause big problems, including painful stings. This most commonly happens if a human or animal steps on their nests. While they are more active in the warmer months, they can be active year-round. 

Identifying Fire Ants
Fire ants are easy to identify based on their distinct appearance, small size, and unique habitat. They are only 1/8 to 3/8 inch in size. They are dark reddish brown with an antenna and have a segmented oval body with six legs.
 
You may notice their large mound nests that can range from one to four square feet in size. These nests are sometimes flattened and irregular in shape. Many of our customers describe their mounds as a misplaced pile of sand with tunnels. While their nests can be found in the middle of fields or yards, fire ants usually nest in soil near structures and buildings like homes, or sheds. They are introduced to new areas through potted plants, shrubs, and trees, which is why they also like to nest near landscaping. They’re a bothersome type of pest, similar to mosquitos and wasps, because they can be dangerous to you and your family even while they’re in their natural habits. Unfortunately, they can also make their way indoors through entry points in HVAC systems and AC units. It’s not as common, but it can happen.

Treating Fire Ant Stings
While many people refer to fire ant threats as bites, they’re actually stings. They’re known to sting humans if their nests are disturbed. We’ve also had customers say their dogs have been stung when they stepped on or sniffed a nest. The sting is painful for humans and animals alike. In addition, it often involves getting stung by multiple fire ants at the same time, resulting in many stings. According to the National Pest Management Association, the stings can leave a red mark on humans, sometimes turning into a raised welt that becomes itchy and irritated. Like other pests that cause bites and stings, some people are also allergic to fire ants. Health experts report that a severe allergic reaction is rare, but it can be life-threatening. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Hives
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Tightness in chest
• Trouble breathing
• Dizziness
• Swelling of tongue or throat 

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, life-threatening allergic reactions can progress very rapidly and require immediate medical attention. Be sure to call 911 immediately if you or someone around you is having an allergic reaction. Emergency treatment usually includes administration of certain drugs, such as epinephrine, antihistamines, and in some cases, corticosteroids, intravenous fluids, oxygen and other treatments. Once stabilized, these patients sometimes require close observation in the hospital overnight.

Preventing Fire Ants
To reduce the impact and threat of fire ants on your property, Pestech of Greenville can help. Our trained and talented technicians are skilled in putting out the fire in fire ants. We offer three options for fire ant service. This includes treatments that cover the entire year, three months, or as an add-on to quarterly service. For a limited time, Pestech of Greenville is offering a fire ant special that is a one-year guarantee for up to an acre of property for only $350. As your East Coast exterminating professionals, we are fully licensed and equipped for reducing pests on your property and in your home. All of our services, including fire ant prevention, utilize superior products applied in strategic locations to solve the problems, while limiting the exposure of any toxins.
 
Trust Pestech of Greenville to help to keep you, your family, your friends, and your pets safe while enjoying the great outdoors. Give us a call at 252-353-4760 or email PestechOfGreenville@hotmail.com for a free estimate. Your East Coast pest management professionals are honored to serve you.