But you don’t have to put up with it. Here's how to get rid of fire ants on your Oklahoma City property.
What Are Fire Ants?
The term “fire ants” can refer to several species of stinging ants from the genus Solenopsis. For most folks in Oklahoma City and around the U.S., the most commonly encountered fire ants are RIFAs, or red imported fire ants. These ants are reddish in color and measure 1/4 inch on average. Fire ants not only bite their adversaries but actually sting like wasps, injecting painful venom into opponents of all sizes.
A single fire ant is formidable enough on its own, but their real strength is in their numbers. These pests attack in swarms to take down prey and intruders alike. They build immense colonies that can have hundreds of thousands of members and cover over an acre in diameter. And with multiple queens laying eggs in each colony, they can be especially difficult to get rid of.
Why Are Fire Ants Dangerous?
All ants are stressful to have and can be difficult to fully eliminate. But fire ants take it to another level. Not only are these pests stubborn, they can be a threat to your health and safety.
While the vast majority of fire ant stings are not medically significant, certain people are at risk. Pets and small children who don’t know how to keep away from fire ants are in danger of being swarmed with stings if left unsupervised. People who are allergic to fire ant stings can experience severe reactions and must seek medical attention immediately if stung.
However, it’s the tenacity of fire ants that’s especially terrifying. These pests can survive floods, pesticides, and just about any other form of attack on their colony. When under duress, fire ants will disperse from their dwellings and relocate to a nearby area.
Fire ants also engage in a behavior called “budding,” in which several queens will split off from the main colony to lead smaller satellite colonies on the periphery of their territory. Even if one or multiple queens are killed, as long as one remains laying eggs, the colony will endure.
Ways To Prevent Fire Ants
Factors that attract fire ants to your property include moisture levels and availability of food. Taking care of problems related to food and water can help prevent fire ants from establishing a colony on your property. There are a few things you can do:
- Lower moisture levels. Fix any leaking pipes, faucets, or spigots around your property. Ensure that gutters are free of blockages and are draining water away from the building. Ventilate indoor areas as much as possible.
- Keep food safe. Fire ants love greasy, sugary, and protein-rich foods. Don’t leave any half-eaten meals out that could attract them, including dirty dishes in the sink. Seal snacks and other pantry items in durable containers.
- Dispose of garbage. Make sure to dispose of trash, especially food waste, in trash bags contained in a receptacle with a tight-fitting lid. Keep garbage bins at least 20 feet away from any buildings.
Fire ants are practically impossible to get rid of without professional help. Luckily, the experts at Guaranteed Pest Service of Oklahoma are up to the job. For three decades, we’ve been solving pest problems for our customers and can safely and effectively eliminate the fire ants on your property. With both residential and commercial pest control plans available, our technicians have experience in getting rid of pests in homes and businesses alike. Get in touch with us today.
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