They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky – but we're not talking about "The Addams Family." If you've ever taken a barefoot stroll through your yard on a toasty day and felt a stinging sensation beneath your feet, you've most likely come into contact with the most chilling ant species known to man - fire ants!
Needless to say, dealing with fire ants in Baldwyn isn't anything new for us at McCary Pest Control. And as such, we have the tools, resources, and nearly 50 years of experience to decimate any fire ant mound in your yard or around your property. As any Pest Control In Baldwyn would tell you, ants are some of the most common invaders to our region of the south. So, read on to learn more about the problem, and better yet, the solution.
How To Tell If You Have A Fire Ant Problem
You don't need to be "Inspector Gadget" or a Myrmecologist to realize you may have an issue with fire ants on your property. As a matter of fact, the signs are fairly recognizable. You just have to be aware of the insect activity going on in your yard. Review the list below to see if you may have any of the fire ant indicators:
- You encounter a mound with no center hole
- There are multiple mounds, usually near trees and water sources
- Mounds tend to pop up shortly after a rainfall
- You live in one of the U.S. states known for fire ant infestations
And yes, Mississippi happens to be one of those unfortunate locations. So, if you were wondering if there were fire ants in Baldwyn, you got your answer.
Why Fire Ants Invade Yards
Do you see that fire ant mound in your yard? In reality, there will probably be many mounds on your property. The main reason is that these ants absolutely adore mild and sunny weather as well as open spaces, which is why it is not uncommon to see a fire ant hill in your yard. Fire ants also like to build mounds in areas that give off heat, such as sidewalks and driveways.
Fire Ants Can Be Harmful
If their name didn't clue you in as to the potential danger of these insects, the short answer is yes; they can be quite harmful. The venom from fire ant bites is strong enough to kill a small animal and cause an allergic reaction in a human so severe that it could trigger anaphylactic shock. Other than the detrimental effects fire ant bites can cause, this species is also known for doing major damage to household plants and farm crops. This is why fire ant control for your Baldwyn home should be handled immediately.
How To Get Rid Of Fire Ants
Whether it be on purpose or by accident, we've all done it before at some point – kicked an ant mound. Either way, the act probably only triggered an aggressive response as these insects can swarm out of nowhere to go on the attack if disturbed. So, you may want to think twice about kicking that fire ant hill in your yard. Do the following instead:
- Pour several gallons of boiling hot water over a fire ant mound.
- Use an industrial-strength insecticide.
- Shovel ant mounds out of your garden to preserve your vegetation before using the boiling water method.
- For fire ants indoors, use an ant spray specially formulated for in-home use.
Even given the remedies above, fire ant control for your Baldwyn home should be taken very seriously. Luckily for you, our professionals at McCary Pest Control have you covered with our team of experienced exterminators. Reach out to us so we can rid your property of a potentially hazardous fire ant problem.