Habitat and BehaviourFire ants are a group of aggressive and highly invasive ants known for their painful stings. They belong to the genus Solenopsis, which consists of over 280 species. These ants are native to South America but have spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Asia.
They prefer warm and moist habitats with abundant sunlight. They build mounds of soil and organic matter that can reach up to 40 cm in height and 1.5 m in depth. The mounds have no central opening but multiple tunnels that connect to the surface and to underground chambers where the ants store food, raise larvae, and protect the queen.
Fire ants are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They will eat plant and animal materials, such as seeds, fruits, insects, worms, spiders, rodents, birds, reptiles, and even carrion. They will also scavenge human food and garbage. Fire ants use their venom to paralyze or kill their prey and to defend themselves from predators.
Are social insects that live in colonies that can contain up to 300,000 individuals. Each colony has one or more queens that lay eggs and produce pheromones that regulate the colony activities. The workers are sterile females that perform various tasks such as foraging, nest building, brood care, and defense. The males are winged and only serve to mate with new queens during nuptial flights.
They can reproduce rapidly and disperse widely. They can form new colonies by budding (when a group of workers and a queen leave the original nest) or by flying (when winged males and females mate in the air and land in a new location). Fire ants can also hitchhike on vehicles, plants, soil, or water. Fire ants have few natural enemies in their introduced range and can outcompete or displace native ant species.
Why do I have fire ants ?You may have fire ants on your property if you live in an area where they are established or if you have inadvertently transported them from another location. Fire ants can invade your lawn, garden, field, or driveway by building mounds or by foraging for food. They may also enter your home through cracks or gaps in search of water or shelter.
Some factors that may attract fire ants to your property include:
Moisture: Fire ants need water to survive and will seek out moist areas such as irrigation systems, ponds, pools, or leaky pipes.
Food: Fire ants will feed on anything that is edible or organic, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, pet food, compost piles, or trash cans.
Shelter: Fire ants will nest in any suitable substrate that provides protection from predators and weather conditions, such as soil, mulch, wood piles, rocks, or concrete slabs.
Disturbance: Fire ants may colonize disturbed areas where the native vegetation or soil has been altered by human activities such as construction, landscaping, farming, or mowing.
How worried should I be about fire ants ?Fire ants pose a serious threat to human health, animal welfare, and environmental quality. You should be worried about fire ants if you encounter them on your property or in your vicinity.
Some of the negative impacts of fire ants include:
Stings: Fire ant stings are painful and can cause itching, swelling, infection, scarring, or allergic reactions. Some people may experience anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction) that requires immediate medical attention.
Damage: Fire ant activity can damage crops, plants, lawns, electrical equipment, and structures. Fire ants can also harm wildlife by preying on or displacing native species.
Cost: Fire ant control can be expensive and time-consuming. Fire ant infestations can also reduce property values, tourism, and agricultural productivity.
How can I prevent fire ants from invading ?The best way to prevent fire ants from invading your property is to prevent them from establishing in the first place. You can do this by:
Inspecting: Check your property regularly for signs of fire ant activity, such as mounds, trails, or stings. Also inspect any items that you bring into your property, such as plants, soil, mulch, or furniture, for fire ants or their eggs.
Excluding: Seal any cracks or gaps in your foundation, walls, doors, or windows that may allow fire ants to enter your home. Also remove any potential entry points such as pipes, wires, or vents.
Sanitizing: Clean up any food debris or crumbs that may attract fire ants. Store food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly. Remove any standing water or fix any leaks that may provide moisture for fire ants.
Landscaping: Trim back any overhanging trees or shrubs that may provide access or shelter for fire ants. Avoid disturbing the soil or vegetation where fire ants may nest. Use gravel, rocks, or concrete as barriers around your home or garden.
Treating: Apply appropriate insecticides to treat existing fire ant colonies or to prevent new ones from forming. Follow the label instructions carefully and consult a professional pest control service if needed.
Why do they bite ?Fire ants bite as a way of defending themselves or their colony from perceived threats. They may also bite as a way of capturing prey or obtaining food.
Fire ants have two types of bites: mandible bites and stinger bites. Mandible bites are when fire ants use their jaws to grab onto their target and hold on. Stinger bites are when fire ants inject venom into their target through a needle-like structure at the end of their abdomen.
Fire ants typically bite and sting at the same time, creating a double dose of pain and irritation. The venom contains alkaloids and proteins that cause inflammation, itching, and allergic reactions.
Fire ants bite when they are disturbed or provoked by humans, animals, or other insects. They may also bite when they are hungry or thirsty and encounter a potential food source.
Symptoms of a fire ant bite
The symptoms of a fire ant bite vary depending on the number and location of bites, the sensitivity of the person or animal bitten, and the reaction to the venom.
The common symptoms of a fire ant bite include:
Burning or stinging sensation at the site of the bite.
Redness, swelling, and itching around the bite.
Formation of a white pustule (blister) within 24 hours of the bite.
Crusting and scabbing of the pustule after a few days.
Healing of the bite after 7 to 10 days.
Some people may experience more severe symptoms of a fire ant bite, such as:
Hives or rash on other parts of the body.
Fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Headache, dizziness, or fainting.
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or wheezing.
Swelling of the face, tongue, throat, or lips.
Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction that requires emergency medical attention).
If you have any of these symptoms after a fire ant bite, seek medical help immediately.
When to call a fire ant exterminator ?The best is to call us as soon as possible. We service the Greater Toronto Area, call us now 647 849 4441
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