While there may be no true escape from ants here in Memphis, Tennessee, that doesn’t mean that you have to allow them onto your Memphis property. Fire ants are not only a nuisance but can also inflict painful stings; Chief Termite & Pest Control is your trusted Memphis pest control provider for fire ant prevention services to rid your property of infestations and keep these ants away.

What Fire Ants Look Like In Memphis

The ability to identify fire ants is extremely important. The qualities that separate fire ants from other species are the reddish-brown color of their head and thorax; their rear is black. The size of these ants varies in length, anywhere from 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch. But the most distinctive physical characteristics of these insects are their venom-releasing stingers and powerful mandibles.

If your home or business has fallen victim to fire ants, let the Memphis pest control experts help protect your Memphis property and prevent them from returning.

The Problems Fire Ants Can Cause On Memphis Properties

Fire ants are notorious for destroying a property’s utilities by chewing on electrical equipment and creating nests, increasing the risk of electrical malfunctions, and worse, fire hazards.

Moreover, they also present health risks. Many people confuse the fire ant’s stinger and mandibles, thinking stings are “bites” when the pain experienced is not from the fire ant’s bite; it’s from its stinger. The fire ant attacks by biting you first to get a good grip on your skin. Then, it stings you repeatedly, releasing venom that can result in minor skin reactions like itchy, burning, and pustules, to major health risks like anaphylaxis for individuals who are hypersensitive to fire ant stings.

Five No-Sweat Fire Ant Prevention Tips For Your Memphis Property

Fire ants are aggressive insects that attack when their territories are disturbed. By understanding their behaviors, you can take these preventive measures to rid your home or business of fire ant infestations.

1. Look for mounds. Mounds are piles of loose dirt with no entry holes. If you see these mounds anywhere around your property, it’s a sure-fire sign of fire ants. You can then take the necessary treatment measures.
2. Keep your outdoor areas clean. Regularly maintaining your outdoor space can keep fire ants at a safe distance away from your property.
3. Reduce moisture. Prevent the potential for standing water in certain areas of your property.
4. Seal exterior points of entry. Patch tiny cracks or holes in exterior walls and use door sweeps when possible.
5. Keep the inside of your house clean. Wipe down surfaces, clean floors, and store trash properly to avoid attracting ants.

Though you can do everything in your power to prevent fire ants, if you find them on your property, it’s best to reach out to a home pest control or commercial pest control professional. Handling an infestation on your own could be dangerous or even make the problem worse.

The Most Effective Way to Keep Fire Ants Away From Your Memphis Property

When it comes to effectively keeping fire ants away from your Memphis property, Chief Termite & Pest Control is going to be your best option. We will identify the problem areas and develop a customized treatment plan to rid your property of these pests. For more information about our fire ant control options, reach out to us today.