Fire Ants in North Carolina
As a business or homeowner, it’s important to understand the risks pests pose. While many are simply a threat to your property, some pests can actually harm you and your loved ones. One such culprit is fire ants. While fire ants may be tiny, their fiery red color is right to be feared.
Unlike black ants, which are mostly a nuisance, fire ants can be a serious problem. They’re aggressive and will not hesitate to bite and inject you with their stinger, which leads to extreme pain and potentially an allergic reaction. They can also contaminate food and cause considerable damage quickly, which is why you need to act fast if you discover signs of a fire ant infestation. Clegg’s Pest Control is here to help you fight back before your problem gets out of hand.
Identifying Fire Ants
Fire ants are small with six legs, typically ranging from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. They can vary in color but generally fall on the spectrum between reddish-brown to reddish-black, giving them their intimidating name. They can also be identified by examining their body structure, as fire ants have a narrow waist, a stinger, two head antennae, and two nodes on their thorax.
If you’re wondering how to tell if a fire ant has bitten you, there are a few things to look for. Generally speaking, symptoms come in waves. Their sting will immediately produce a sharp, burning sensation before being followed by a circle of itchy red bumps. After that, you’re looking at potential days of dealing with scratchy welts and blisters.
Signs of a Fire Ant Infestation
Aside from noticing itchy bumps on yourself, there are some ways to identify fire ants you should keep in mind. One of the most obvious signs of a fire ant infestation is the presence of their distinctive mounds, often spotted in open areas like lawns, gardens or hidden crevices like the cracks of sidewalks and building foundations. These are typically dome-shaped piles of soil, loosely connected and lacking the entrance and exit holes seen in typical ant hills.
You should regularly inspect the areas surrounding your home or workplace where fire ants may thrive, such as in your yard or the cracks of your driveway. Additionally, if you notice any bite marks or unusual behavior from your pets, you may be dealing with fire ants (or another harmful pest).
Fire Ant Prevention and Treatment
While you may have experimented with melting ants with a magnifying glass as a kid, DIY ant control methods pale in comparison to the effectiveness of professional treatments. Clegg’s Pest Control’s technicians have the experience and tools necessary to identify the scope of your issue and quickly work to restore your peace of mind. We fight back at the source (the mound) and the trail they leave behind to ensure we take care of the job. Coupled with proper cleanliness and good lawn maintenance habits, you can protect your home or business from trouble.
Schedule Fire Ant Control Services From Cleggs Today!
Extinguish your fire ant infestation with the help of Clegg’s Pest Control. We offer professional fire ant control services in North Carolina with treatments proven to be thorough and dependable. Explore our full list of service areas to see if you’re in the range of our expert technicians. Once you’re ready to get started, give us a call or request your free initial inspection today!
