How Dangerous Is It To Have Fire Ants On My Tupelo Property?
It is no fun to be stung by fire ants. If you walk on, or sit near, a fire ant mound, you're going to quickly regret it. These ants come rushing out in a swarm and attack anything that threatens their nests. When fire ants attack, the result is usually several inflamed, raised welts with a pustule at the center of each. These sting wounds can itch for days. While super irritating, these wounds aren't usually dangerous. But there are circumstances where fire ants can present a threat.
Babies Are Uniquely Vulnerable
Some babies cry a lot. They cry when they're hungry. They cry when they're tired. They cry when they have a little somethin' in their diaper. There are many reasons babies cry. Parents sometimes ignore the cries of their babies because they know that everything isn't a crisis. Sometimes a baby will cry a little bit, settle down and fall asleep. So, when fire ants sting, and a baby begins to cry, the cries could go unheeded. This can happen when a baby is outside, but it can also happen when a baby is inside. Sometimes fire ants get in through gaps and cracks. If they enter your home, it could be a recipe for disaster. Your baby doesn't have the ability to communicate and let you know that they're being stung.
The Infirm Can Be Victimized
If you have a loved one who is sick, they may not be conscious when a fire ant, or several fire ants, sting them. Severe sickness and medication can put them in a vulnerable position. It is important to be aware of the development of fire ant mounds near your home and have them quickly addressed if you have anyone in your home that could be harmed.
Fire Ant Allergies
The venom that a fire ant injects can become a silent killer for someone who has a severe anaphylactic response. This can happen within minutes of being stung, and the results can be fatal. Fortunately, this response is very rare. But what is tricky about it is that a fire ant allergy can develop through the course of a life and a person can have it and not know it. You could have been stung by fire ants many times and then later developed this allergy and not realize you are at risk. You may also be at risk because of medical issues that have led to a fire ant allergy. It is best to be cautious with fire ants and to deal quickly with them when you see mounds in your yard.
Hidden Danger Of Fire Ants
When these ants come into a yard, property owners often take steps to try and get rid of them. Some of the things people have tried are downright dangerous. If you're considering pouring something into a fire ant mound to get rid of fire ants, you should know that the nest could be as far as ten feet under the ground. What you are pouring in will not reach the nest. It is also important to understand that fire ants can create surface tunnels that go off several yards in all directions. They won't be trapped by what you've put on the surface. Mound treatments are only effective if the product used has a transfer effect, meaning that when fire ants pass through it, they don't realize it, and they share it with the other ants in their colony. This can lead to colony elimination.
If you attempt to eliminate the fire ants in your yard and fail, it could make your problem worse. Fire ant colonies can bud. This can turn one nest into multiple nests, and fire ants can disperse through your yard and recolonize. This can cost you time and money. It is far better to address a fire ant problem by having a licensed pest professional select and administer appropriate products to effectively eliminate colonies.
Fire Ants In Tupelo
If you're dealing with a fire ant problem in Tupelo, Mississippi, remember that the service team at McCary Pest Control is always available to assist you. We strategically apply trusted, EPA-approved products to get the best results possible. We can also apply treatments to your perimeter and perform pest maintenance to prevent fire ants and other pests from getting inside. We'd love the opportunity to discuss your options with you. Connect with us by jumping over to our contact page and sending us a quick message. When it comes to pests in Tupelo, we know what's bugging you. Get relief today.