Are Fire Ants In Chandler Something To Be Worried About?

Arizona home and business owners cannot leave fire ant control out of their Chandler pest control plans. Fire ants in Chandler can be a massive problem on your property. They’re extremely aggressive when defending their nests and can sting as many times as they want. They’re like hornets without wings, and a horde of them is terrifying. That’s why you have to take action as soon as possible if you find fire ant hills in your yard.

Continue reading to learn more about fire ants and the simple lifestyle changes that can help keep them away from your property.

What Do Fire Ants In Chandler Look Like?

The most common fire ant species in our area is the southern fire ant. This native species has an amber-colored head and thorax and a black abdomen. It also has little gold hairs all over its body. These ants build large mounds, reaching up to a foot tall and a foot or two wide. These nests are usually the best way to identify fire ants, and a bunch of fire ant hills in your yard is the first sign you have a problem.

How Dangerous Are Fire Ant Bites?

Contrary to popular belief, fire ants don’t actually have much of a bite. Their jaws are strong, but they’re too tiny to cause injury to humans. What fire ants in Chandler can do is sting. If you disturb a fire ant mound, thousands and thousands of ants will come swarming out of it to defend their home. These ants will crawl up your legs and sting as many times as it takes to get you away from their territory. For most people, these stings are painful at first and later become itchy welts as they heal. However, for individuals allergic to insect venom, the risks of fire ant stings can be severe. Even one sting can trigger a life-threatening reaction.

Is It Possible To Have An Allergic Reaction To Fire Ants?

Those with an allergy to insect venom can have what’s called an anaphylactic reaction. This reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to the presence of an allergen—ant venom—and goes into overdrive. Those suffering anaphylaxis can have symptoms such as full-body hives, facial swelling, and gastrointestinal problems.

Anaphylaxis symptoms can become so severe that they interfere with regular cardiac and respiratory activity. Anaphylactic shock can lead to death if not treated immediately. All these factors make fire ant control vital, especially if you or a member of your household is allergic to stings.

Fire Ant Prevention Tips

Over-the-counter ant control solutions are typically ineffective for treating an active fire ant problem because of the vastness of the ant colonies. As a result, preventative measures are necessary, as they aim to avoid attracting these pests to your property in the first place. Fire ants are a lot tougher to prevent than other species since they tend to nest outside wherever it suits them; but, there are a few things you can do to make it less convenient for them to set up shop:

• Cover all trash cans with tight lids at all times. 

• Don’t leave pet foods or dirty pet bowls sitting out. 

• Get rid of debris like fallen trees or stacked wood that could provide ant cover. 

• Make sure your yard has proper drainage. 

Prioritizing these preventative measures over DIY ant control solutions should help keep ants away from your home or business. However, if you have an active infestation on your property, you'll need professional help. Here at Green Home Pest Control, we have the answer to your fire ant problem. Our experts implement reliable ant control treatments that eradicate every ant, mound, and chance of future infestation. Reach out to Green Home Pest Control today to get started!