I was standing in a park with my running group in Phoenix recently, waiting to start our run, when I started feeling a burning sensation up the bottoms of my legs. I looked down to identify the cause, and guess what I saw…fire ants! They were running in droves, on the ground and grass around my legs, and up my legs. After quickly brushing them off and moving to a clear spot, the pain subsided and I got on with my life (and my run) – but it definitely wasn’t a pleasant experience!

If you live in the metro-Phoenix area, you’re likely no stranger to fire ants either. And now that we’re in fall, we’re coming into one of the best times of the year for them to be out and about. Here’s some information we hope will help you survive them!

How can I spot fire ants?

Fire ants are small – less than a quarter-inch – and are usually colored in the range of reddish-brown. They live in colonies, and aggressively defend their nests similar to bees, wasps, and hornets. Their nests can be recognized by distinct dirt mounds on the ground. The mounds usually don’t have an obvious entry or exit hole, unlike other species of ants. Check here for more information.

What do I do if a fire ant stings me?

According to the Cleveland Clinic most victims can address the stings with basic at-home care and over the counter medication (see the article for more details, or contact a medical professional). However, if you have a more severe reaction, seek professional medical attention immediately!

How do I prevent fire ants?

Ants are pretty much a given when it comes to your yard or garden – the best preventions involve keeping an eye out for signs of ant mounds. Once spotted, you should treat them quickly to prevent their continued population growth in your yard. Early detection and extermination on the outside will help prevent them wandering into your home.

Though it’s not particularly easy to keep them from trying to set up shop outside, there are some things you can do to help block them from coming inside your home. First, keep the seals around your windows, doors, piping, etc., in good shape to prevent them from squeezing through. Also, be sure to keep food, including pet food, contained and cleaned up from floors and countertops. Leaving any kind of food out or unsecured is a rallying call for ants (and many other pests)! Check out our other related blog posts for more information.

But if all else fails, give us a call! With over 40 years total pest control experience, we can assess your ant problem and help you find the right solution for you. We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Metro Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, and all other valley cities.