Declare War Against Fire Ants
Every year, more than 10,000 people seek medical attention for fire ant stings.
The best way to prevent fire ant stings is to eliminate these dangerous insects. Identify fire ants by their reddish-brown-to-black color, their size -- measuring one-eighth to one-fourth inch long, and their stingers.
Fire ants build mounds of soft soil, which can be more than 15 inches high, 15 inches in diameter and up to five feet deep. Each colony can contain one or more queen ants and between 100,000 and 500,000 worker ants.
When anything disturbs their mound, fire ants become very aggressive, inflicting hundreds of stings in a matter of seconds. Although these fierce ants began wreaking havoc in the South, they have migrated across the country.
Homeowners can choose from a few different methods to destroy fire ants. Many insecticides are "broadcast products," which cover a wide area and unfortunately kill beneficial insects in addition to fire ants. Local retailers offer several chemicals, including bait compounds and drenches, which are often environmentally unfriendly. Check the labels, since most chemicals may be harmful to pets and children if ingested.
Some natural alternatives include using dry ice or lye soap; however, patience is essential as these techniques may require several applications. These measures also may cause blisters and burns when they come in contact with the skin.
Another option is to choose from a new generation of insecticides designed not to create a toxic build-up in the environment. For example, RESULTS Fire Ant Killer is an odorless product that kills mounds -- including the queen -- in 15 minutes or less. The active ingredients break down quickly, so there is no re-entry wait time.
The ingredients in RESULTS Fire Ant Killer include an extract from the African Daisy, a synthetic sassafras oil and Diatomaceous Earth.
For more information about winning the war against fire ants, visit www.diatect.com.
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