Fire Ants
Fire ants are aggressive, venomous pests well known for their painful stings and large mound nests. Common throughout Tennessee, fire ants can pose a significant threat to people, pets, and property if left unmanaged. Their aggressive nature and ability to quickly colonize areas make them one of the most troublesome outdoor pests.
Why they’re a problem
- Painful stings: Fire ants deliver a venomous sting that causes immediate burning, itching, and swelling. Multiple stings can lead to severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Aggressive behavior: When disturbed, fire ants swarm quickly and attack in large numbers, making it dangerous to be near their nests.
- Damage to lawns and gardens: Their large mound nests disrupt lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields, damaging roots and plants.
- Electrical hazards: Fire ants sometimes nest inside electrical equipment and wiring, causing short circuits and damage.
- Rapid reproduction: Colonies grow fast and can expand their territory aggressively, making control difficult without professional intervention.
Signs you may have fire ants
- Large, dome-shaped mounds
Fire ant nests are characterized by large, reddish-brown mounds of loose soil, often without a visible entrance hole. These mounds can reach up to 18 inches in height and spread several feet across. - Swarming ants when mound is disturbed
If you accidentally disturb a mound, hundreds or even thousands of ants quickly emerge and aggressively attack anything nearby. - Red or reddish-brown ants
Fire ants are reddish in color, with workers ranging from 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Their bodies have a smooth, shiny appearance. - Increased ant activity in warm weather
Fire ants are most active in warm months and tend to forage during the day. You may notice more ants around your yard, picnic areas, or outdoor play spaces. - Painful sting reactions
If someone in your household experiences burning, swelling, or pustules after an ant bite, fire ants are a likely culprit. - Damage to electrical equipment
Nesting inside outdoor electrical boxes, irrigation systems, or transformers can cause malfunctions or damage.
Because of the danger and difficulty in controlling fire ants, professional treatment is highly recommended.
Contact Professional Pest Management to safely eliminate fire ants from your property — call (931) 680-7249 today.
