Fire ants are true to their name. Their painful sting is fueled by an intense burning sensation. And unlike other insects that lose their stingers after one use, fire ants attack as many times as possible before you physically remove them. With ants this dangerous, it’s good that Aries Pest Control provides the most effective pest control in Austin to eradicate entire fire ant colonies. Continue reading to learn about this peculiar ant species and what to do if you become a victim of their fiery stings.
Are These Fire Ants?
Do you see those dirt hills in your backyard? If so, fire ants have likely descended upon your property. You can identify them by their dull, red color, ranging from reddish-brown to reddish-black, topped by a copper head. These insects have large, powerful mandibles with a stinger on their backside, and like other ant species, a tough exoskeleton protects them. They have six legs, an armored midsection, and an abdomen. These ants are the most active when it’s sunny outside but not too hot, and they also avoid shade and darkness. Contact professional pest control for fire ant treatment in the Austin area.
What To Do If A Fire Ant Bites You
When fire ants go on the attack, they use their powerful mandibles to bite down and secure themselves firmly against your body so they can repeatedly sting you using their back end. They won’t stop stinging until you brush them off. If you’re bitten and stung by fire ants, make sure to get all of them off you immediately. Wash the affected areas before applying ice in 15-minute intervals.
It’s normal for fire ant stings and bites to produce small, itchy bumps or blisters. Try to keep the affected area elevated to reduce swelling. Use a cold compress and over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone or steroid creams to relieve itching and burning. You can even take an antihistamine.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience a severe allergic reaction, such as cramping, nausea, trouble breathing, or dizziness.
Five Fire Ant Prevention Tips
It can be a sinking feeling to discover hills of loose dirt in your yard created by fire ants. It's a clear indication that an infestation is on the horizon. If you've ever had the misfortune of discovering fire ants on your property, there are simple steps you can take to prevent their occurrence in the future. Here are five fire ant prevention tips for implementing:
- Eliminate food and water sources.
- Dry out excess moisture.
- Mow your lawn often to keep growth low.
- Collect ripe fruit from trees or any that have fallen to the ground.
- Trim back shrubs and trees, so foliage and branches don’t touch the exterior of your home.
Removing or restricting harborage, food, and water will make your property unattractive to pests, lessening their occurrence. Remember that prevention only works when you start with a pest-free slate. Therefore, contact a professional exterminator that eliminates fire ants in Austin.
Professional Fire Ant Control Made For Austin Homes
The number one best fire ant control for your Austin home is to enlist the services of a professional exterminating company. They have the resources and knowledge to eliminate pest problems quickly with results that last a long time. Home remedies and do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques can cost you time and money while worsening the situation. Therefore, contact professional pest control when your yard's first fire ant mounds pop up.
With over 25 years of combined experience, Aries Pest Control has provided exceptional pest elimination services to our Austin residents since 2013. Our staff utilizes advanced procedures and methodologies to quickly rid your home of pest infestations. So, please contact us today and inquire about our free inspections. Let us get you back to the pest-free life you deserve.