Have you ever sat down on a lawn to enjoy a sandwich or a soda and discovered, much to your horror, that you sat down near a fire ant mound? Have you had fire ants attack your feet, ankles or legs while walking through a yard or hanging out in a park? These ants are annoying and their fiery little stings can cause irritating wounds that last longer than a week. If this is how you see fire ants, you only have a small piece of the puzzle. Fire ants aren't just annoying insects, they can present a serious threat. This is where we are going to start our conversation today.
The Sobering Truth
If you've been bitten before, it is easy to think that a fire ant "bite" will always be the same. It is nothing more than an inflamed bump with a pustule at the center. The reality is that you can develop an allergy to insect venom as you grow older. There are also extenuating medical circumstances that can contribute to how allergic you are to insect venom. If you develop an allergy, you could have an allergic reaction. To a certain extent, everyone has an allergic reaction to fire ant bites. That's why the wounds are red and sometimes a rash will form around them. But this allergic reaction can be much more severe.
You could experience:
- Hives
- Tongue or throat swelling
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
A toxic reaction to an insect bite (often called anaphylaxis) can lead to a seizure, shock, and even death. If you experience flu-like symptoms from a fire ant bite, it could be an early warning sign of a dangerous and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek medical attention immediately.
Unexpected Fire Ant Threats
Fire ants can strike in some surprising ways. Here are a few to consider:
- If a baby is set down on a blanket or placed on the ground in a car carrier, be attentive when he or she cries. A baby can't tell that fire ants are biting.
- When fire ants create mounds next to exterior walls, they can get inside. This can present a threat to the elderly and people who have compromised immune systems.
- Fire ants gather together when flood waters rise. They join into a large mass and create a floating boat. After a heavy rainstorm, you could get a horrible surprise if you happen to walk near an area that was flooded and step on a displaced fire ant colony.
Fire Ant Control
Another hazard fire ants present has more to do with our response to them. Some Conroe residents attempt to destroy fire ant mounds and end up harming themselves. One example is the use of boiling water. If you pour boiling water onto a mound, there is little chance it is going to eliminate the colony. Fire ants can live deep inside the ground—as far as 10 feet under. They can also have surface tunnels that go out several feet in all directions. But your chances of getting scalded are quite high. We've heard many unfortunate stories of mound treatments gone wrong. We hope you don't try anything dangerous.
The Best Solution For Fire Ants In Conroe
If you're dealing with fire ants, reach out to Chase Pest Control & Lawn Care. We use industry-leading products and methods to target and eliminate fire ant colonies. There is no guesswork involved. Just science. Reach out to us today to have a pest control evaluation performed. We'll guide you in finding the right solution for your ant problem.