Fire Ants in McAlpin
The excruciating sting and bite from a fire ant is what earned them their name. One fire ant can sting and bite a victim numerous times. The ants construct mounds that are aggressively protected by the worker ants. Should the mound be disturbed, the workers will attack the intruder in a coordinated attack of hundreds of workers. Fire ants will feed on other insects and plant and animal material. They are also attracted to electricity and will destroy items including water well equipment, AC units, and outdoor lighting. These habits create fire hazards as electrical wiring has been tampered with.
Fire Ant Habitat
Like many ants, fire ants are attracted to moisture and will nest near well-watered lawns, potted plants, and rivers. Fire ants will build mounds as a way to regulate the moisture conditions and temperature in the colony. Undisturbed fire ant mounds are frequently located in sunny open areas, including fields, lawns, parks, and pastures. Fire ants are omnivores and will feed on both animal and plant resources. When foraging for food, aggressive fire ants gain access to homes through crevices, cracks, windows, walls, and gaps under doors.
Fire Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Fire ants can cause a great deal of pain to humans and pets. While most venomous ants will bite and spray acid into the wound, the fire ant will bite and then shift to attacking with its stinger. After the stinging has stopped (usually after a few minutes), there will often be hive-like bumps at the sting site around 30 minutes later. Within 24 hours of the sting, pimples with a yellow fluid will occur. Large colonies can damage plants, lawns, and outdoor electrical fixtures. Due to the serious threat posed to people and their pets, if a mound is located, it is best to leave it alone and contact a professional ant exterminator.
