Fire Ants
Fire ants build large mounds and deliver painful stings when disturbed in yards and fields.
Background & Behavior
(Solenopsis invicta) Also known as red imported fire ants, these aggressive insects build mounds in soil, lawns, and electrical equipment. They deliver painful stings that cause burning sensations and allergic reactions in some people. Colonies grow rapidly and can damage crops, lawns, and even electrical circuits. Professional treatment is often required for control
DIY Approaches
- Broadcast bait granules labelled for fire ants during cooler evening hours.
- Drench visible mounds with hot water to collapse tunnels.
- Keep lawns mowed short to expose new mounds quickly.
- Wear protective clothing and gloves when gardening in infested areas.
- Remove fallen fruit that attracts foraging workers.
Professional Services
- Hire licensed applicators for two-step fire ant control programs.
- Request yard-wide baiting followed by individual mound treatments.
- Schedule community-wide suppression for shared green spaces.
- Have professionals treat electrical equipment where fire ants nest.
- Establish annual service contracts for high-risk properties and playgrounds.
Photo Gallery
