Controlling Red Imported Fire Ants

Controlling red imported fire ants is no easy endeavor. It takes a good deal of understanding how these creatures work. Fire Ant Specialists has over 30 years of experience in that arena.

We opened in 1993 at our main office in Ocala. Now, we partner with sister companies to ensure that we can treat 1,000 acres a day. Solenopsis invicta, the red imported fire ant, is a serious enemy.

Arriving in the continental U.S. in the 1930s, these ants have had nearly 100 years to establish themselves. They prefer warmer, humid climates and therefore reside in much of the southeastern U.S.

Fire Ants Are a Problem

Most people who have had to deal with fire ants are aware of their stings. And certainly, Solenopsis invicta packs a serious punch, especially since it bites you before it stings you. However, that is not the only reason fire ants are a problem.

Because these ants are fond of warm, damp places, you might find they have taken up residence in your HVAC system or your well pump. This can create major issues in the system’s functionality. We have seen ants short out well pumps, leaving people without running water.

Add to that the fact that they can tunnel 30 feet below the surface. That in itself is an impressive feat, but the repercussions are far more substantial than you probably ever considered.

Imagine that a large tunnel system is located beneath a significant foundation. The weight from the foundation above will cause the tunnels to eventually collapse. That means the foundation itself will sink, crack, and be ruined.

Yes, ants can do more than cause pain. They can literally topple whole buildings.

Proper Treatment Is the Solution

Fire Ant Specialists utilizes a special formula that acts as a bait. This entices the worker ants to bring the “food” they have discovered to their queen. Because the poison is slow-release, death is not instant for the colony. However, it does sterilize the queen. A sterile queen means no repopulating.

Unfortunately, most DIY and even box-store ant treatments don’t work. Or if they work, it is not as widespread as they imply. The “baits” you buy at the store are designed to kill ants on contact. That means they never make it deep down to the queen’s lair.

The more “natural” methods are no better. They may take out the surface-level ants, but they too never make it to the queen. Some only make the ants build a new mound from which to enter their underground fortresses. Others, like grits, literally just give the ants free food.

While it may be tempting to want to DIY it, eliminating red imported fire ants is best left to the experts. That’s why Fire Ant Specialists offers you a time frame in which to see the impacts of our products. If the dates are off, we will come back out and spot-treat your property for free.

So when it comes to controlling red imported fire ants, it is time to call Fire Ant Specialists. We can be reached at 352-291-2687 or by clicking here.