Fire ants are some of the most destructive insects on the planet! They may not damage structures like carpenter ants, but there are many other concerns to consider when you are dealing with these ants.
If you live in Canada or some other cold weather climate, you probably don't have anything to worry about, but much of the United States is now dealing with them.
There are four species of fire ants in the United States, but the red imported fire ant is the most common species seen in the southeastern United States today.
They are taking over the other species native to the United States, and they are interbreeding with the black imported fire ants too.
As time marches on, these ants are spreading throughout the southern and southeastern United States.
They have spread as far north as Maryland and as far west as California.
The biggest issue for humans is that they can bite you and cause a painful sting.
This is why they are known as fire ants.
They also cause substantial crop losses and livestock losses.
They are estimated to cost over $750 million dollars in damage annually, and it does not appear that this is going to change any time soon.
When the ants bite you, they release venom that some people are allergic to.
While most people react normally to the bites, other people need to be much more careful.
If you step into one of their mounds, you could get bites all over your legs.
These bites can becomes scars if the bites become infected.
Everyone reacts differently to the bites, but these ants cause more problems for humans than your typical odorous house ants or even carpenter ants.
They are much more aggressive than your typical ants.
If you see a mound sitting on the side of the road or in your own backyard, it is best to leave it alone if you don't know what you are doing.
You will need to have specialized treatment products to successfully eradicate fire ants.
Once you have the equipment and products you need to eliminate an infestation, then you can begin the process of exterminating the colony.
Many people have trouble identifying fire ants from other traditional ants.
It is important you know for sure what types of ants you are dealing with.
If you find an ant mound in your yard, take a branch and disturb the dirt in the top of the mound.
Stick the branch inside the mound and move away fast.
Traditional ants will scurry around to protect the queen, but aggressive fire ants will climb up the branch to attack it as they perceive it as a threat to the colony.
Fire ants have been known to eat small animals like mice and snakes and turtles.
They love other plants, and they aggressively devour other crops too.
This is one of the reasons why they are such a big problem for many homeowners and farmers today.
As soon as you realize that they are located in your yard, farm, or even inside your home, you should immediately take steps to eradicate the colony by purchasing products that are designed to exterminate fire ants.