Fire ants can become a serious problem for you and your pets when they build a nest on your property. Their nasty stings cause a burning sensation for most people; however, those with a fire ant allergy may have a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, requiring rapid medical assistance. The methods for removing fire ants from your yard and home may vary depending on the type of fire ant you’re having problems with. Always remember that the best way to deal with a fire ant infestation is to hire a professional! Contact Pied Piper Pest Control today for pest control services in the Greater New Orleans area!
Fire Ant Colony Characteristics
Fire ant nests typically look like a mound of fluffy soil, and they often appear a few days after a rainstorm. These mounds of dirt are usually only a few inches in height, but they can reach up to 18 inches tall if the infestation goes untreated for an extended period of time! If you shovel into these dirt mounds and notice little white larvae, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled upon a fire ant colony. Fire ants can be anywhere from ⅛” to ¼” in length and are a reddish-brown color. These insect bites cause a burning sensation, and after a day or so, these bite marks can turn into white fluid-filled blisters.
Treating A Fire Ant Infestation Outdoors
One common method to treat fire ants is called baiting and mound drenching. This method involves using a special bait to kill the queen and some of the worker ants, then using an insecticide to wipe out the rest of the fire ants in and around their mound. You should treat a fire ant infestation in the early morning or evening when the ants are foraging for the most effective results. As with most pests, the best way to deal with a fire ant colony is to hire a professional who will get the job done and make sure they don’t come back!
Treating A Fire Ant Infestation Indoors
The most common method for treating indoor fire ant infestations is to use bait traps. Fire ant bait should be placed in the areas of your home where you have spotted the insects, but not directly on their trail. You can place these bait traps near drains, pantries, cabinets, stoves, refrigerators, and anywhere else where the ants may frequently pass through. You can also purchase fire ant sprays that will exterminate some of the colony, but this method is not typically as effective. Again, the best way to treat a fire ant colony is to hire a professional!
Contact Pied Piper Pest Control!
If you have any questions about fire ants or are experiencing an infestation in or around your New Orleans area home, don’t hesitate to contact Pied Piper Pest Control! Our team has years of experience dealing with various pests, and we’d be happy to help you solve your fire ant problem! Contact us today at (504) 366-1333 or fill out the contact form on our website!