Fire ants aren’t coming to your south Florida neighborhood — they’ve already arrived.

These intruders may have traveled from as far as South America to get here, but they’re now permanently settled in all Florida counties, as well as part or all of 15 other states all the way to California.

Most experts predict that the geographic distribution of these ants in North America will only increase in coming years, making human contact with this aggressive species more likely as time goes by. To keep up with the invasion, your pest control professional has techniques to detect and eliminate the presence of fire ants on your property. He or she can also offer preventive advice to reduce the chances of an infestation in the first place.

Fire Ants 101

• The fire ant is reddish-brown and averages about 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length.
• The ant has a well-deserved reputation because of the potency of its painful stings that result in blister-like pustules and severe itching that may continue for more than a week. Susceptible individuals may also experience allergic reactions.
• Not only humans but pets, wildlife and livestock can be the target of fire ant aggression.
• When disturbed, ants will flood out of their nest by the thousands and sting the intruder.

Fire ant nests are usually large and heavily populated. One giveaway is the large mound of dirt they create when excavating a nest. However, fire ants will also infest rotting logs, tree stumps, tunnel under pavements and buildings and outdoor electrical components. Worse still, these ants may nest inside your home as well.

A pest control expert will utilize a four-pronged approach to fire ant control. This includes broadcasting insecticide bait around the landscape for widespread control, specific chemical treatments applied to existing individual mounds and barrier and spot treatments to neutralize fire ant presence inside structures and prevent them from re-entering.

Haggerty Pest Services is well acquainted with the Florida fire ant issue. We’re here for you with the latest in strategies and safe insecticides to keep fire ants out of your home and off your property.

Image via Shutterstock.com