There are an estimated 20 different species of ants in the Saint Cloud area, and fire ants are considered one of the more dangerous. Also known as the red imported fire ant, they unintentionally arrived in the U.S. via cargo ships in the 1930s. Now, this invasive species makes its stay throughout the southern United States, including Florida.
Fire ants get into homes the same way all other ants do, through small gaps around windows, doors, piping, and vents. Different from other ants, however, is their stinging capabilities. The stings are most potent during the summer when the venom stored is at peak volume.
If these stinging ants are seen around a property, it is imperative to seek ant control services immediately. It is much safer for local exterminators to handle stinging insects than to attempt a do-it-yourself treatment.
WHAT DO
FIRE ANTS
LOOK LIKE?
Fire ants are comparatively smaller than other nuisance ant species, measuring between an eighth of an inch to a quarter of an inch in length. The most common fire ant in Saint Cloud, the red imported fire ant, has a reddish brown. The less common tropical red fire ant will range from a light red to orange color.
There are a few visual cues that differentiate fire ants from similar pests. Unlike carpenter or odorous ants, workers in fire ant colonies are equipped with an abdominal stinger for defense and hunting. Another distinguishing characteristic is the two segmented bumps, known as pedicel, on their 'waist' area connecting the thorax and abdomen.
The queen fire ant will be noticeably larger than other members of her colony, with a more prominent head and thorax. Queen fire ants also develop wings which are later shed. Examining for the scars leftover from shedding is a reliable way to tell apart the queen fire ant from the others.
WHERE DO
FIRE ANTS
LIVE?
Fire ants construct their homes by displacing soil to form mounds. Fire ant mounds can reach up to 18 inches high and 30 inches wide, and will often have a dome-like structure. They prefer to nest in open spaces such as fields, lawns, parks, or golf courses. In situations where a colony grows rapidly and remains undisturbed, they may dispatch additional queens to establish new mounds nearby.
While mounds are the most visible sign of fire ants, they are not essential for the survival of the colony. During dry summers, fire ants may skip building their mound and instead retreat deep underground. Newer ant colonies may also forgo producing a mound for several months, depending on the weather and soil conditions. When a fire ant mound is not present, these insects may build large nests in logs, around trees, and underneath cracked pavement.
WHAT DO
FIRE ANTS
EAT?
Fire ants consume a variety of foods including plants and small animals. These ants will also scavenge on carrion (dead animals) or any other opportunistic food sources they come across during their foraging expeditions. They will also feed on other insects, such as earthworms, ticks, and spiders.
When indoors, fire ants adapt their diet to include common household foods. Worker ants will forage in random patterns, tracking bacteria in the process. Food crumbs left on the floor and open trash cans are particularly vulnerable to their search. Upon locating any food source high in sugars, fats, or proteins, they release a chemical pheromone trail with their stingers and return to the colony. The pheromones are responsible for leading other ants towards the newfound nutrients.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
FIRE ANTS
Imported fire ants cause the U.S. billions of dollars in economic loss. They primarily cause damage by displacing wildlife and revoking food sources. Large infestations of fire ants are particularly troublesome for farmers. Ant mounds can disrupt crop growth and interfere with field machinery, while the ants themselves feed on seeds, grains, and other agricultural materials. Calves and other small livestock are also susceptible to life threatening stings if they are unable to avoid an angry nest.
In residential buildings, these ants can infest electrical equipment. This includes circuit breakers, transformer boxes, and air conditioners. It is possible for fire ants to cause a malfunction if too many of them are inside of these appliances. If ants are inside of walls within a home, they may chew on insulation or impede switching mechanisms.
ARE
FIRE ANTS
AGGRESSIVE?
Fire ants are quick to attack if their nest is disturbed. They initially bite their targets, then use their attached mandibles as leverage to inject venom with their abdominal stingers. The venom is 95% alkaloid and induces a painful, burning sensation, which is where fire ants earn their name.
What makes fire ants more dangerous is their ability to sting repeatedly. Unlike honeybees, a single fire ant may sting three or more times when swarming an intruder.
People stung by fire ants will generally get a small itchy bump at the site that lasts about an hour. Within 24 hours, pimples filled with yellow fluid appear, accompanied by intense itching that can last up to ten days. Along with these symptoms comes a risk of infection if the pimples heal improperly.
Additionally, a small percentage of people are particularly sensitive to fire ant venom, particularly children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. For these individuals, a single sting could cause serious medical issues or even death.
Because of their aggressive tendency to swarm and attack, it is unsafe to remove an active fire ant nest alone. Seeking local pest control services is the best way to remove fire ants from a property. Ant exterminators in Saint Cloud are equipped with proper safety gear and effective treatment products to ensure these pests are eliminated.
DO FIRE ANTS
CARRY DISEASE?
As fire ants scavenge for dead animals and food scraps, they carry the remaining bacteria with them. Fire ants in the kitchen or around water systems may therefore contaminate the home with E. coli, Salmonella, and other foodborne illnesses. Dogs and cats may also get sick from ants coming into contact with pet food.
HOW TO DETECT
FIRE ANTS
Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include:
• Fluffy mounds of soil around the lawn or backyard • Trails of worker ants along the corners of walls • Ants nearby swarming a dead animal or other food source
HOW TO PREVENT
FIRE ANTS
To help prevent an ant infestation, the following steps should be taken:
• Seal crevices and gaps to prevent ants from gaining entry to buildings • Keep outdoor areas clean by removing plant debris • Store food in airtight containers • Mow grass low and frequently to keep fire ants from nesting • Eliminate standing water by fixing leaking pipes or faucets • Seek professional local ant control services and schedule a home inspection
HOW WE TREAT FOR ANTS
Ants are the number one pest control issue and can prove virtually impossible for home and business owners to solve on their own. Ending an ant infestation typically requires proper ant identification, locating and destroying the nest or colony, as well as the use and application of specialized products.
As such, it is not advisable for property owners to attempt to eradicate an ant infestation without assistance from a professional pest control provider.
