Fire Ants (Photo credit: Marufish)
One of the most destructive, malevolent, and impactful pests in the United States is the Red Imported Fire Ant. Here are ten reasons why:
1. Painful stings
Fire ants are labeled as a social menace because of their notorious sting. These stings are painful, and usually come in bunches. By the time a you feel the first sting; numerous ants could be on your body, all stinging at once. Once stung, your body will feel like it’s on fire. You’ll also experience redness, blistering, itching, and even vomiting.
2. Fire Ants Displace or Eliminate North Carolina’s Unique Native Species
The aggressive fire ant can take down frogs, lizards, and even small mammals. They will also dine on other native insects. These bully ants will drive out other animal and insect species—especially other ants.
3. Mounds Destroy Property
Fire ant mounds serious problem in lawns, sporting fields and golf courses. The mounds can reach two feet high, and three feet in diameter. The can also reach depths of over six feet. These mounds also destroy tree and plant roots—destroying them!
4. Damage Electrical Equipment
Fire Ants are attracted to electrical equipment. They crawl into electrical wiring and air conditioning units, shorting them out. In fact, fire ants are the leading cause of traffic light shorts in the Southern United States.
5. Economical Impact
The FDA calculates that $5 billion is spent every year on medical treatment, damage, and control in fire ant infested areas across the country.
6. Impact Outdoor Lifestyle
Fire ants have the potential to impact North Carolina resident’s outdoor lifestyle. If fire ants are infesting your parks or backyards, there goes your outdoor recreational activity. No more running barefoot through your yard. No more picnics in the park. If you like to lie in the grass and watch the clouds go by, forget about it. You will be stung!
7. Harmful To Pets
Fire ants are equal opportunity offenders. They will sting anybody, and play no favorites. They will even sting your pets. Pets can be stung and injured; and may have allergic reactions. Worst case scenario, your pets may be blinded by exposure to the fire ant venom; or even die.
8. Harm Agriculture Industry
The agricultural industry is also affected by the red imported fire ant. The FDA figures that the ant causes $750 million in damage to agricultural assets—mainly crop loss, livestock loss, and vet bills. Newborn livestock are prone to fire ant attacks, which can lead the death of the livestock. The ants are drawn to an animal’s eyes, nose and mouth. When they sting, it causes an animal’s nose, mouth, and throat to swell up. The animal suffocates. Fire ant mounds also demolish farming equipment, machinery, and irrigation systems that affect harvesting operations.
ant mounds (Photo credit: bart_drees)
9. Environmental Impacts
The fire ant’s ability to damage trees and plants cause significant changes in ecosystems over time. This is done by tunneling through the plant’s roots. The ants also attack and drive out other native species or animal and insect.
10. Difficult To Eliminate
One of the most challenging pests to eliminate is the Red Imported Fire Ant. When treated with traditional insecticides, the ants will just spread out and wait for the poison to dissipate. They will then return. Furthermore, when a colony feels threatened, the immature queens will suddenly become mature—leaving the hive and starting new colonies. They spread even more rapidly.
Raleigh Fire Ant Control
As previously mentioned, fire ants are extremely difficult to control. Do not try to take on these malevolent pests yourself, and don’t risk a painful sting. Get help controlling the fire ants near your home or property. Get professional ant control!
Bulwark Pest Control19 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 828-8825
bulwarkpestcontrol.com Trapper Dan’s Wildlife and Pest, LLC
4909 Waters Edge Drive #203
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 306-7254
trapperdans.com Terminix
6020 Oak Forest Drive
Raleigh, NC 27616
(919) 790-0995
terminix.com
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