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Ants are typically nuisance insects, but some species are more than just irritating pests. Fire ants are vicious, aggressively protecting their mounds with painful bites and stings.
The painful burning sensations of the fire ant bites complicate any pest control efforts homeowners can deploy. It’s best to work with Ogden pest control experts with extensive experience identifying fire ant colonies and effectively treating them.
How To Spot Red-Fire Ants In Your Yard
There are multiple red fire ant species in the United States, but the most popular is the invasive red imported fire ant. The pest has a dark reddish-brown head and thorax with a dark abdomen.
Fire ants love to make mounds in moist soils, preferably in open areas. However, worker ants searching for food may find their way into your home through cracks and crevices in your structure.
Here are a few signs you may have a fire ant infestation in your Ogden home.
- Dome-shaped mounds without a center hole, typically 10-24 inches wide and 6-18 inches high
- Unexpected mounds that appear shortly after a rain
- Mounds near sunny, moist, or open spots in your yard
- Reddish-brown ants that swarm to the surface when the mound is disturbed
- If unfortunately stung, the intense pinch may create a burning sensation in the bite area
Contact residential pest control services immediately if you notice mounds with the described distinguishing features. Professional exterminators can protect you from painful stings that cause severe allergic reactions.
Five Home Remedies For Fire Ants
Fire ants in Ogden homes require urgent intervention. Here are effective home remedies to eliminate these nuisance insects.
1. Boric Acid
Boric acid is a naturally-occurring insecticide that poisons different types of bugs, including fire ants. Mix the boric acid with sugar to create a food bait and sprinkle the powder in areas the ants are present.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
Composed of fossilized diatoms, diatomaceous earth is an excellent desiccant. Sprinkle the powder on the fire ant mound in your yard to destroy the ants’ exoskeletons, thus killing them.
3. Dish soap and water
Soapy water can suffocate fire ants and kill them. Make a solution of dish soap plus water and spray on the ant trails and entry points in your yard.
4. Vinegar solution
Vinegar’s strong scent repels ants, forcing the fire ants to abandon their colony. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and spray the solution in high traffic areas and into the mound.
5. Cayenne pepper
Boil sliced cayenne peppers in a quart of water. Pour the hot cayenne water over the mound to kill the fire ants. Sprinkling cayenne powder over trails and anthills can also force the colony out of your yard.
Preventing Fire Ant Infestations In Your Yard
You can avoid fire ant bite allergic reactions by taking preventative measures, including:
- Keeping your compost bin tightly sealed
- Sealing any cracks or holes in your exterior walls
- Cleaning up quickly after food or drink spills
- Storing your food in airtight containers
- Emptying your litter tray before nightfall
- Keeping your yard clean
While the preventive tips above may not guarantee you’ll never see a fire ant, they can reduce the risk of a pest invasion.
Complete Ant Control In Ogden
The most effective way of eliminating fire ants from your home is to hire a professional ant control expert specializing in ant removal. Mountain West Pest Control can eliminate fire ants in your Ogden home and prevent the colonies from coming back.
Our experts conduct a comprehensive home pest inspection to determine the root of your ant problem. We also develop a specific treatment plan tailored for your fire ant infestation.
Avoid facing the fiery and aggressive ants alone. Contact Mountain West Pest Control today.