Put An End To Your Neverending Fire Ant Struggle In El Centro
February 14, 2023 - Ants
Fire ants are a dime a dozen in El Centro. Anyone who has had the misfortune to encounter an angry colony of fire ants can attest to their unpleasant and unrelenting nature. Unfortunately for many homeowners, fire ants keep them from enjoying their backyards. With a bit of knowledge, El Centro homeowners can go from cowering in their houses to enjoying their yards in no time, so professional pest control In El Centro is essential.
Are These Fire Ants?
The first step to avoiding fire ants on your El Centro property is learning how to identify fire ants. Fire ants, also called red imported fire ants, are tiny and dark reddish-brown in color. They are notoriously invasive and aggressive, often driving other ant species out of the areas they frequent. They are also prolific breeders and so can spread rapidly.
Fire ants may find their way into your yard while foraging for food or your property via infested potted plants. They are commonly found in soil, where they can create their nests, consisting of large mounds. Fire ant hills in your yard are a telltale sign of an infestation. Fire ant hills or mounds can be up to four square feet in size and often have a flat, irregular appearance.
What To Do If A Fire Ant Bites You
Fire ants possess a stinger, which they use to defend themselves. Fire ants will sting humans and other animals that disturb their mounds. These fire ant stings are often confused for fire ant bites; however, fire ants do not use their mandibles for self-defense. People and pets are often stung when they accidentally walk or fall onto a fire ant hill.
Their sting is excruciating, often likened to a burning sensation, hence their name. The sting site usually becomes swollen and red and may result in a pustule. A pustule is a painful bump that may contain fluid or pus. It is crucial to keep the sting site clean to avoid infection. If one is allergic to fire ants, they may have a more severe reaction, in which case it is best to seek medical attention.
Five Fire Ant Prevention Tips
As one can imagine, it is best to avoid fire ants if at all possible. A few easy tips to keep in mind include:
Steering clear of fire ant nests or mounds.
Seal all cracks and crevices in the home.
Avoid growing plants right up against the side of your home.
Clean up spills and messes in and around your house immediately.
Avoid standing water on your property.
This list of ant prevention tips is by no means exhaustive but should be a great place to start for homeowners interested in preventing fire ants on their property.
How to Get Rid Of Fire Ants For Good
The only effective way to permanently guarantee fire ants are safely removed from your property is to work with a professional pest control team. Pest control in El Centro does not have to be a hassle when you have experts like Imperial County Pest Control. Imperial County Pest Control offers quality pest control and management solutions for El Centro residents. We are family-owned and pride ourselves on serving our customers with reliability, honesty, and effectiveness! Give Imperial County Pest Control a call today for a free estimate or to schedule an appointment. We are here to solve your pest control problems.