Fire ants may be tiny, but they can cause serious problems for homeowners. These reddish, aggressive insects are known for their painful stings, quick movements, and ability to take over yards before you realize what is happening. Living in Berthoud, Colorado might give you exposure to these pests. They can make a home in your garden, near your driveway, or somewhere in your backyard. Thus, they can quickly turn a peaceful afternoon outside into a sting-filled nightmare.
In addition, fire ants can also pose a danger to children, pets, and anyone who accidentally disturbs their nest. Fortunately, you do not have to fight the battle alone. Pest control professionals at saelapest.com can help eliminate a fire infestation and educate you about preventive measures. You can tackle the issue safely and keep your property fire-ant free with some knowledge and smart steps. These steps include the following:
Spot the Signs Early
Make sure you are dealing with fire ants before you go into full ant-removal mode. Their nests usually look like soft, loose mounds of dirt. You won’t see a hole in the center like with other ant hills. Fire ants are reddish-brown and move quickly when disturbed.
You might also notice patches of dead grass or plants near the nest. These ants can be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened. You might see ants swarming your feet the moment you step near a mound.
Keep Kids and Pets Away
Fire ant stings hurt. They leave behind red, itchy bumps and can cause serious allergic reactions in some people. Keep children and pets far away from any suspected fire ant nests. Rope off the area or place visible markers, so everyone knows to steer clear.
Wash the bitten area with soap and water and apply a cold compress if someone does get stung. Call 911 right away for severe reactions such as swelling of the throat or trouble breathing.Â
Do Not Rush in with Boiling Water
You have probably heard about pouring boiling water on the mound to kill ants. This can kill some ants, but it does not get the whole colony. Plus, it is risky. You can burn yourself, kill your grass, or crack nearby concrete. You might want a quick fix, but fire ants require a bit more patience and planning.
Try Bait First, Then Treat the Mound
The best way to get rid of fire ants is to go for the entire colony, including the queen. You can start by using fire ant bait, which you can find at most garden stores. These baits look like food to the ants, but they contain a slow-acting poison. The worker ants carry the bait back to the nest and share it. Eventually, the poison reaches the queen. The colony falls apart once she is gone.
Scatter the bait around the mound, not directly on it. Fire ants will avoid anything that feels like a threat. Give the bait a few days to work its magic after spreading it.Â
You should go back and treat the mound directly once you have given the bait time to do its job. Use a fire ant mound drench or dust. Follow the instructions on the label carefully. This second step helps knock out any remaining ants that didn’t take the bait.
Use Natural Options if You Prefer
Diatomaceous earth is safe for people and pets but deadly to ants. Sprinkle it around the mound and in ant trails. It damages their exoskeletons, drying them out.
You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water and pour it into the mound. It won’t be as effective as bait or commercial treatments, but it can discourage ants from returning. Keep in mind that natural methods usually take longer and may not wipe out the entire colony.
Make Your Yard Less Inviting
Fire ants love sunny spaces and food scraps. You can make your yard less attractive to fire ants by keeping your lawn trimmed and your garden tidy. Make sure to store pet food inside your home as they can attract fire ants. Also, fix any leaky sprinklers or pipes as fire ants like moist areas. Granular ant repellents can be used to create a buffer. Sprinkle them along the edge of your yard to keep new colonies from moving in.
Call the Professionals if It Gets Out of Hand
Sometimes, the ants keep coming back no matter what you try. It might be time to bring in the professionals if you see multiple mounds or get stung regularly. Pest control companies in Berthoud know how to handle fire ants safely and effectively.