Despite their small size, fire ants can cause big problems for Edisto Island homeowners. Not only can these ants inflict painful stings, but they are extremely hard to get rid of once they build their nests. Therefore, if you are an Edisto Island homeowner, you need to do everything possible to reduce the factors that attract fire ants to your property. Furthermore, should your home become infested with fire ants, you need to know the effective home pest control solutions in Edisto Island, which you can turn to get rid of them.
What Do Fire Ants Look Like?
Fire ants are dark reddish-brown. They can grow anywhere from 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch long. Fire ants build large, irregularly shaped mound nests. They usually build their nests in soil, flower beds, and other landscaping. As such, they can be brought onto properties while hiding in potted plants or trees. Although they build their nests outside, fire ants can access homes through openings in the facade, cracks in the foundation, HVAC systems, under doors, and around windows.
What Threats Do Fire Ants Pose?
The biggest threat posed by fire ants is the painful stings that they inflict. Unlike other ants, fire ants bite and sting. These stings can create pustules on the skin that can become infected. Usually, a person will be stung by more than one ant more than one time, which can be astoundingly painful. Furthermore, people with allergies need to be especially cautious around fire ants as stings can cause severe health effects, including death in certain instances. Given this, you should never attempt to move a fire ant nest, whether you are allergic or not, as this can lead to severe injury.
What Attracts Fire Ants To Properties?
As previously mentioned, many fire ants are brought into homes while hiding in potted plants, shrubs, and trees. Therefore, be sure to inspect any potted plants for fire ants before bringing them onto your property. Moreover, many fire ants will enter homes searching for food or water, or they may also enter simply because there is a way inside. To keep fire ants out of your home, you need to limit factors that attract them and seal off potential entry points:
Store food in airtight containers or in the fridge.
Take out the trash regularly so that it doesn't pile up.
Store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids so that ants cannot access it.
Keep countertops and floors clean and free of food debris or spills.
Install dehumidifiers in areas with poor ventilation.
Fix leaky pipes or fixtures.
Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
Install weather stripping around windows and exterior doors.
Install window and door screens.
Fill in cracks in the foundation with caulk.
Seal any exterior opening, such as around vents, pipes, and utility lines.
By following the above measures, you should be able to greatly reduce your home's exposure to fire ant infestations.
What Is The Most Effective Form Of Fire Ant Control?
Even with the proper preventative measures in place, you could still find yourself dealing with a fire and infestation on your Edisto Island property. If such is the case, do not try to get rid of ants on your own, as this can lead to severe physical harm. Instead, contact the residential and commercial pest professionals here at Apex of Edisto Pest Management. We have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove any ant infestation you face. Don't let fire ants threaten the health and safety of you and your family. Give us a call today to learn about our pest control service areas in South Carolina and get started with ant control solutions that work.