Identifying Fire Ant Infestations

These aggressive insects feed primarily on living insects and dead animals. However, they are also drawn to fats and sweet foods found inside. Fire ants can infiltrate a home or garage through holes or cracks and can then infest the space. Fire ants are attracted to a variety of food and moisture sources such as spills, open food containers and pet food/water bowls.

Preventing a Fire Ant Infestation

To make it more difficult for fire ants to enter, homeowners should check and seal gaps around doors and windows.

How to remove and reduce things that attract fire ants.

• Eliminate standing water and other sources of moisture in or around the home.
• Store food tightly and wipe up spills.
• Keep trashcans covered and sealed.
• When dining outside, keep food covered until ready to eat.

If you have fire ants inside or outside your home, avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints, loose-fitting garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.