Red Imported Fire Ant Identification in Florida

Red imported fire ants are the most common type of fire ant in Florida. They're also invasive, so it's in your best interest to address them when you see them. Plus, they some of the most aggressive ants. With an irritating bite and a venomous sting, these ants do much more harm than good.

Red imported fire ants are usually pretty easy to distinguish with their angry red color - but don't be fooled. They can also be brown, and they'll usually have a black abdomen.

They're polymorphic, meaning they can be of many sizes, ranging between 2.4-6mm.

Red imported fire ants prefer open, sunny, and dry areas and will nest in soil ant mounds as big as 18 inches in diameter.

One common treatment for a red imported fire ant infestation is mound drenches. A mound drench is when a technician pours a large amount of insecticide or hot water over the fire ant mound. This treatment isn't the most reliable method of fire ant control because the mound drench may not reach the queen, which is essential to eliminating the colony.

Another more effective treatment for fire ant control is baits. Two types of fire ant bait treatments include individual mound applications and broadcast applications. Individual mound treatments are when a small amount of bait is applied to individual mounds. Broadcast baits don't require treating every mound, but involve applying a small amount of bait around the general area.

Pest control professionals best complete broadcast bait applications and this is the most effective way to get rid of red imported fire ants.

It can be difficult to prevent red imported fire ants in Florida. Sometimes, the best method of prevention is to act as soon as you see an issue. If you see any fire ants in your yard, we recommend that you get in touch with Native Pest Management for broadcast bait application.

You can apply organic insecticides to your lawn to prevent fire ants from infesting your lawn. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring pest control product that repels all kinds of pests and ants, including red imported fire ants.

Sprinkle the DE in areas where you've seen ant mounds or ants. Boric acid is another effective naturally occurring product, but please take note: boric acid is harmful to pets if ingested. If you're a pet owner, we don't recommend that you sprinkle it in areas that your pets can access.

The fastest and most effective way to get rid of fire ants is to call a local pest control company. Native Pest Management is home to fire ant experts. Our fire ant control services include broadcast bait applications and individual mound treatments. These treatments will get fire ants and fire ant mounds out of your yard as efficiently as possible. Our treatments are also pet friendly and eco-friendly, so they're safe for your pets and your lawn.

Get in touch with our office today to learn about our expert fire ant control services in Florida!