Fire Ant Treatment and Control
HAVE YOU FOUND FIRE ANTS?
HAVE NO FEAR
WE CAN HELP YOU
We understand finding fire ants can be stressful, but there is no pest problem too big for us. Let us worry about the pests, while you get on with the rest.
By answering a few simple questions, we can help you, get rid of the pests bugging you.
*Your information will only be used for a quote or booking.
Protect Your Family, Pets, Home and Commercial Properties
Fire ants are not just a nuisance; they can be a serious threat to humans, pets, properties, and overall safety. Understanding how to identify, prevent, and treat fire ant infestations is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. Here we will cover important information on everything you need to know about fire ants, focusing on protecting your family, pets, and animals, identifying nests, and implementing effective treatments and control measures.
As mentioned, Fire ants can pose a significant threat to residential properties and commercial spaces. For businesses, an infestation can disrupt operations, harm employees and clients, and damage property. Our specialized fire ant treatment services for commercial properties ensure that your business environment remains safe and pest-free. We provide comprehensive inspections, effective treatments, and ongoing management plans tailored to the unique needs of commercial spaces. Whether you manage office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, or other commercial properties, our expert team is equipped to handle fire ant infestations quickly and efficiently. Safeguard your business with our reliable fire ant control solutions.
Protecting Our Pets and Animals from Fire Ants
Fire ants can have a devastating impact on our beloved pets and animals, just as they can on humans. Outdoor pets and animals, especially those prone to digging, are particularly vulnerable to fire ant stings. These ants tend to swarm on the faces of our furry friends as they often investigate nests nose-first. Additionally, feeding areas can attract fire ants due to their preference for protein-rich food.
Steps to Take if Your Pet or Animal is Stung:
- Quickly move them away from the ants or nest to prevent further stings.
- Carefully remove any remaining fire ants from their skin or fur using gloves and a brush. Avoid hosing them down as this can make the ants more aggressive.
- Give your pet or animal a cool bath to alleviate discomfort. Most animals will recover well from stings, but watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, and seek veterinary assistance immediately if these symptoms appear.
Preventive Measures
- Regularly check your property for suspect ants and nests.
- Keep your pets and animals away from the area until the fire ants have been treated.
Identifying Fire Ant Nests
Fire ant nests can look different depending on the weather, making it essential to know what to look for. During rainy periods and cool temperatures, fire ant nests become more visible as the ants build up their nests to maintain heat. This makes them easier to spot. In warm weather, fire ant nests are less visible as the colony stays underground to keep their ant colony cool and moist.
Important TIP
- Lawns
- Footpaths
- Driveways
- Fence lines
- Garden beds
- Near water sources
- Utility pits
Fire ant nests can appear as mounds or flat patches of loose soil with no clear entry or exit holes. The nest size can vary depending on colony numbers and soil type.
Key Locations to Check for Fire Ant Nests:
When checking suspicious ant nests, gently poke the nest with a long stick and observe the ants that come out. Fire ants are aggressive and will swarm when disturbed, packing a powerful, painful sting, so don’t get too close!
Understanding Fire Ant Behavior and Risks
Fire ants are aggressive and known for their painful stings, which can cause significant reactions in both humans and animals. These stings can lead to allergic reactions and, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. Fire ants are highly territorial and will swarm en masse when their nest is disturbed, making them a formidable pest.
They are also known to cluster on water and travel to other areas along our waterways after heavy rains or floods. This is how they can spread to other areas.
Common Signs of Fire Ant Infestation:
- Visible nests or mounds in the yard or near structures.
- Unexplained patches of bare soil or loose earth.
- Swarms of reddish-brown ants, especially after rain.
Health Risks:
For Pets: Fire ant stings can cause localized swelling, pain, and severe allergic reactions.
For Humans: Stings can result in pustules, itching, and in some cases, severe allergic reactions requiring medical attention.
Effective Fire Ant Control Measures
- Regularly inspect your property for signs of fire ant activity.
- Check the areas where pets frequent, such as pet food bowls play areas, and toileting areas
- Contact a professional pest control service to treat infested areas.
- Use baits and insecticides specifically designed for fire ant control.
- Keep lawns and garden beds well-maintained.
- Remove food sources and debris that may attract fire ants.
- Educate your family, tenants, neighbours and staff members about the dangers of fire ants.
- Encourage reporting of nests to local authorities or pest control services.
Our Current Safe and Humane Fire Ant Treatment
Using safe and humane methods to control fire ant populations is crucial.
Fipronil – A Versatile and Effective Treatment for Fire AntsLike all products we use to treat fire ants, the liquid insecticide Fipronil is approved and regulated by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority when applied according to label and permit instructions.
Fipronil is used worldwide to control various pests and invasive species, including termites, cockroaches, fleas, and other agricultural pests.
We use Fipronil to treat nests that pose a risk to human or animal health or those that present a high risk to national eradication efforts. This treatment is administered through direct nest injection, delivering targeted treatment to individual fire ant nests. Using a low-dose formulation this ensures the risk to people, animals, and the environment is appropriately mitigated.
Fipronil is not used for broad-scale treatment. It is odorless and immediately effective against fire ants, with most ants perishing within several days of exposure.
The potential risk of fire ant treatment on the environment is outweighed by the catastrophic impact fire ants will have if not eradicated. Fire ants can severely disrupt our outdoor activities and way of life – envision being unable to enjoy your backyard, walk your dog, or have a family barbecue at the park without fear of being stung.
With the potential to infest 97% of Australia, fire ant eradication remains the sole viable option to protect our country from this highly invasive pest.
Our experienced Pest Technicians are certified and trained to eradicate fire ants. All fire ant nest treatments that we complete are registered with The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) through the Fire Ant Eradication Program.
Fire Ant Management
If you find or suspect fire ants or nests report to your local pest control company or call The National Fire Ant Eradication Program:
- Report fire ant sightings to your local pest control company on 1800 556 225 or
- The National Fire Ant Eradication Program on 13 25 23
* It is always a good idea to collaborate with neighboring properties to monitor and treat infested areas together to stop Fire Ants from spreading.
Get a Quote for Fire Ant Treatment
Protect your home and pets from fire ants with our professional treatment services. For a free quote, fill out the form below or contact us directly.
Contact us directly:
Phone: 1800 556 225
Fire ants are a significant threat to both humans and animals, making effective control measures essential. By understanding their behavior, identifying nests, and implementing preventive and treatment strategies, you can protect your pets and private and commercial property from these aggressive pests. Regular inspections, professional treatments, and community efforts are key to managing fire ant populations effectively. Stay vigilant, educate others, and take prompt action to ensure a safe and fire-ant-free environment for everyone.
At Your Local Termite and Pest Control we can treat and help stop Fire Ants in the South East Queensland areas, Yatala, Beenleigh, Logan, Gold Coast, Redlands, Ipswich, and Brisbane.
