Why It's Dangerous To Have Fire Ants On Your Tupelo Property
The sting of a fire ant is well-known here in Tupelo. If you live in Tupelo, Mississippi, there is a good chance you've felt the sting. The red imported fire ant is a common pest throughout the state of Mississippi. Most of the time, a fire ant bite (which is actually a sting) will only result in localized burning and an itchy wound that looks a little bit like a pimple. But it is possible to have an allergic reaction to a fire ant bite, and this allergic reaction can result in severe, and even life-threatening, symptoms. Here's what every Tupelo property owner should know about the dangers of fire ants.
Fire Ant Allergy
One bite from a fire ant can lead to a condition called anaphylaxis. The symptoms of anaphylaxis can occur in just a few short minutes, and it is possible to quickly be taken by surprise. Fortunately, anaphylaxis is rare, and fatalities associated with anaphylaxis are even rarer. But, it is important to be aware of the threat so that you aren't taken by surprise.
What Is Not Commonly Known About Fire Ant Allergy
Fire ant allergy can develop later in life. You could have been bitten many times when you were younger and now be at risk for anaphylaxis. If you want to be prepared for the worst, seek the assistance of an allergist/immunologist to find out if you have developed a fire ant allergy.
Symptoms Of Fire Ant Allergy
- Hives
- A swelling of the throat or tongue
- Tightness in the chest and trouble breathing
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
The hidden threat of fire ant allergy is that there can be a sudden drop in blood pressure and this can lead to cardiac arrest. A shot of epinephrine can prevent a life-threatening result.
Other Facts To Consider
- Residents have a 50 % chance of being stung by a fire ant in any given year.
- Fire ants create tunnels that stretch out as far as ten feet from a mound. If you disturb a mound, you can find yourself surrounded by fire ants.
- Fire ants swarm in defense of their nests. This can lead to multiple stings.
- Most stings will result in mild irritation and a blister forming in the center of the itchy wounds.
Dangerous Circumstances
Most of the time, fire ants are outdoor pests that ruin cookouts and frustrate kids as they try to play in the backyard. But they can present unique issues when they find their way indoors. One noteworthy situation to consider is the fact that babies are unable to communicate why they're crying. If you put your baby down to sleep and you hear crying, you may allow those cries to go unattended. If you have a baby that is colicky, you have even more reason to ignore those cries. This can allow fire ants to sting a baby many times before parents realize the threat. If you have a fire ant issue in your yard, it is best to address it before it is allowed to become a threat inside your home.
What You Should Know About Fire Ant Mounds
It can be easy to find where fire ants are living because they create mounds. You might find yourself tempted to attack those mounds, especially if someone you love was harmed by fire ants. But, you should be aware that fire ant colonies can be deep in the ground. When you attack the mound, the results are likely to be bad. A fire ant colony has multiple queens. When a colony is threatened, it can split into several colonies, and the fire ant problem can spread throughout your yard. The best solution is to contact a licensed pest management professional.
Fire Ant Control In Tupelo
When fire ants come into your yard, contact McCary Pest Control. Our licensed technicians select appropriate fire ant control products and administer them in a way that prevents colony budding and works to eliminate the colonies. We'll make sure the threat is neutralized. We can also help you keep fire ants and other pests from being a problem in the future by setting you up with year-round pest control service for your home. When you have routine inspections and treatments, Tupelo pests aren't allowed to sneak up on you.
If you have questions about how residential pest control works, or how it can benefit your family, we would love the opportunity to speak with you. No Tupelo home should ever be without an effective pest control plan. Fire ants are only one of the many pests in our area that can have a negative impact. Pests are a serious threat to health and property. Get protected starting today.