What Should I Do About Fire Ants in My Yard?
Treat the whole yard with a broadcast bait in mild weather, treat mounds near play areas directly, and repeat as new colonies move in. Avoid disturbing mounds, and keep children and pets away while products are applied.
Request pest controlWhy mounds appear after rain
Rain pushes colonies up, so new mounds often show after a storm. The colony itself may have been there all along.
Broadcast baits
Bait spread across the whole yard is carried back to colonies, including ones without visible mounds. It works slowly but reaches more of them.
Mound treatments
Treating individual mounds acts faster and suits mounds near doors, play sets and paths. Follow the product label exactly.
Don't kick or flood mounds
Disturbing a mound often makes the colony move a short distance and build again.
Children and pets
Keep them away during and after treatment as the label directs. Teach children not to stand on mounds.
Ongoing control
New colonies arrive from neighboring land. Many yards need treatment once or twice a year. See ant and fire ant control.
When should I treat?
Baits work when ants are foraging, so treat on a dry, mild day when no rain is forecast for at least a day. Very hot or cold weather slows them down and makes baits less effective.
Gardens
Check the label before using any product near vegetables. Some baits can't be used in food gardens.
Neighbors and shared fences
Colonies don't stop at property lines. If your neighbors treat at the same time, results usually last longer, because fewer colonies move back in from next door.
If someone is stung
Wash the area with soap and water and use a cold compress. Seek medical help right away for swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing or a large reaction.
More pest control guides
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