So you’ve found yourself amid a battle against an army of fire ants. As if the “regular” kind weren’t pesky enough critters, now you have to deal with these more aggressive types that can cause a nasty bite and often crop up more noticeably during the fall and spring. You don’t have to put up with them for long, though, as there are ways to quell a bothersome infestation.
Before you attempt any of these methods yourself, it should be noted that different species of fire ants carry their own habits and reactions. Pest exterminators in Virginia Beach recommend a thorough survey of the species and their main infestation zone before choosing and applying any treatment.
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Use fire ant bait
There are different types of these on the market, and it depends on the course of action you want to take as well as the method with which you will spread out the bait. Some products are meant to directly kill the ants and their queen, while another variation targets their ability to produce more ants and destroys any chance to create any eggs that will live on.
You can use your bait directly on any sites of infestation, particularly mounds. However, the most effective method that is usually gunned for is the broadcast application because it covers more ground and safeguards you from an assault from a ton of fire ants. It should be noted that you will need to pick the right kind of bait that targets the right species and won’t harm the particular type of land or soil you’re working with.
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Do a mound drench
If you need a solution to immediately target visible mounds and stop colonies from harming people or animals that are often in their vicinity, you may want to go for mound drenching. You can opt for liquid or granular variations depending on your preference. However, a study conducted by pest management specialist Kim Schofield and entomologist Professor Bastiaan Drees leans toward the use of granular products. These have the maximum effectivity in destroying active mounds.
Either way, you need to ensure that you have enough protection to handle these materials safely. From there, you can monitor the effectiveness of the chosen method within about a week.
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Apply some dish soap
The same study above also used controls that incorporated dish soap into the mixture. In general, it is known as one of the possible organic approaches to getting rid of fire ants. Of course, this solution may not work as much for big colonies, but it’s still a viable option if you need something on hand that can hamper the infestation before you can get more intense action done.
Simply mixing some dish soap with water and putting in a spray bottle can equip you with a handy weapon against any groups that may come into your living areas.
If you spot a fire ant colony in your home, it’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible because of their harsh stings and intrinsic nature to alert others and attack all at once. That is an increased risk for households with children and pets, so quick action is imperative. If you aren’t sure what type you’re dealing with and how best to treat the problem, don’t let the situation sit; get a proper assessment.
