Ants
Ant invasions are extremely common in Florida homes and businesses. There are many species of ants in Florida and while some are simply annoying, others, like the fire ant, can be dangerous. It is important to know what type of ant species you have on your property because different ants need different treatments.
Ants tend to enter your home or business for food, moisture, or shelter. For example, if it has been raining for a long period, you may see increased ant activity because the ants are using your home or business as dry shelter.
At Maggie’s Pest Control our technicians are well versed in handling all species of ants. Most ant control is included in our quarterly general pest control. If you see ants in your home, contact us for a free inspection.
FIRE ANTS
While other ants are relatively harmless, fire ants are dangerous to both your plants & grass and pets & family. They are one of the most common species found around Florida since being brought here from South America in the 1930’s.
Fire ants often establish colonies in yards. A single yard can have multiple colonies. They build large mounds that the ants aggressively protect. It doesn’t matter whether you are an animal, small child, or adult, if you disturb their nest they will attack you.
Fire ants use a bite to get a grip on you, then sting from the abdomen and inject a toxic alkaloid venom called solenopsin. For humans this sting is extremely painful—feeling similar to being burned. This is where fire ants get their name.
Because fire ants attack as a colony, you are lucky if you can get away with only one sting. To people sensitive to fire ant venom, their stings can be deadly. In about 5% of cases, fire ant attacks can cause death.
Although fire ants are not known to establish colonies inside, they can be brought inside via potted plants. If you suspect you may have fire ants inside or outside, please contact us for a free inspection. Fire ants are not to be taken lightly as they can eat and damage your hard grown vegetation, plants and grass and attack your pets and family leading to serious, and sometimes, fatal injury.