Protecting Cattle from Fire Ants

Fire ants love pastures and hayfields, so it’s no wonder that you’re researching how to protect your cattle from fire ants. Lucky for you, Fire Ant Specialists has the answers you seek.

We have been a trusted source of fire ant prevention and elimination for landowners in Florida since 1993. Though we operate out of Ocala, we’re able to partner with sister companies to provide coverage for 1,000 acres daily.

How can something so tiny be such a large problem? We’re glad you asked.

Freaky Fire Ant Facts

When it comes to understanding the why behind getting rid of red imported fire ants, here are some freaky facts to consider:

• The queen can lay 1,000 eggs every day
• She can live up to seven years (you do the math)
• People and animals can experience anaphylaxis due to their stings
• They bite and sting
• Their mounds can be more than 20 feet below the surface
• Colonies can house up to 100,000 ants

With fire ants, it’s a numbers game, as you can see. The workers are replaced so quickly that your homegrown methods are no match. You absolutely need professional assistance if you have fire ants on your property.

Cattle-Specific Issues

Fire ants will actually attack animals that are weak, young, old, or ill. Yes, these tiny critters can kill a cow. Seems far-fetched, but they don’t fight alone. If a cow—or any other animal (people included)—happens upon a nest, there could be serious ramifications.

Fire ants sting en masse. They all start attacking, and their stings inject toxic venom. For some cattle—and horses especially—these stings will only create a thick, crusty spot on the skin. But for those less fortunate, it could be a matter of life or death.

Ants like warm and damp places, so they gravitate toward your water and feeding locations. Cattle that experience repeated attacks while trying to eat or drink may stop coming to those locations.

Certainly, we don’t want your animals to starve because an invasive species is harassing them.

This is why it’s a good idea to give Fire Ant Specialists a call. We’ll assess your situation and provide you with a date by which we believe we’ll have it under control. Should we miss the date, we’ll come back and spot-treat your property at no additional cost.

Fire ants are undesirable on any piece of property, but your cattle are probably your livelihood. That makes the ants’ presence all the more unwelcome. Our specially formulated bait will give you much-needed relief in this area.

So, if you need a way to protect your cattle from fire ants, it’s in your best interest to give Fire Ant Specialists a call. We can be reached at (352) 291-2687, or you can click here. We’re happy to schedule a free estimate and answer any questions you may still have.