The presence of fire ants extends well beyond a simple nuisance. These common pests in the U.S. are highly aggressive species of ants that have a painful sting and can bite when threatened. Even worse, these aggressive insects are vectors of bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, coliforms, and L. monocytogenes. Several methods can help control fire ants. Using boric acid to control fire ants is a safe and highly effective solution to reduce the fire ant population on your property in McKinney.
Are Fire Ants a Threat to People?
Unlike other dangerous pests and insects like mosquitoes, most ant species do not pose a significant threat to humans. All ants have the potential to bite or sting using their mouth or mandible under a threat. Fire ants typically swarm in numbers and can be hostile toward humans if they perceive a threat. They can attack repeatedly, and their sting injects venom, causing a burning sensation, swelling, and red bumps or itchy welts. That eventually leads to blisters on the affected skin area, which usually resolve within a week to 10 days. Although rare, a sting from one of these venomous insects can potentially cause moderate to severe reactions, including nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, or life-threatening allergic conditions like anaphylaxis. If you develop symptoms like flu, excessive pain which persists for more than a few days, or increased redness or swelling on the skin, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention.
Does Boric Acid Kill Fire Ants?
Fire ants have been troublesome pests for farmers and homeowners ever since they arrived in the U.S. in the 1930s. As a significant threat to agriculture, wildlife, and homes due to their destructive behavior, eliminating them becomes crucial. Boric acid is a viable natural remedy to get rid of these species conveniently and cost-effectively. The chemical compound works as bait for fire ants when mixed with sugar, honey, etc. The effects of boric acid are twofold. Consuming boric acid disrupts the ants’ digestion while crawling over it destroys their exoskeletons when they crawl over it. The ants will carry the bait back to the colony, spreading it to other members and killing them. Accordingly, boric acid is an excellent solution to kill a large number of fire ants and reduce their population drastically without much elbow grease.
Reminders When Using Boric Acid to Kill Fire Ants
While boric acid is a tried and tested method to control fire ants, it is essential to keep a few points in mind for the best results. Creating the right concentration of the compound and placing it strategically in high-activity areas is indispensable to working effectively. Studies suggest that small concentrations of 0.25- 1.0% are enough to kill fire ants, However, an overly weak mixture will fail to produce the desired results. Likewise, a bait containing high amounts of boric acid will kill the ants instantly, preventing them from carrying and spreading the agent back to the hive. Some ants will also not consume concentrations too high in toxicity. Boric acid treatment also takes some time to see noticeable results, about six weeks. You must replenish the bait every one to two weeks. Lastly, it is important to realize that boric acid is dangerous, being a poisonous chemical. You must adopt some specific precautions before applying the chemical as bait, which includes wearing safety gloves and securing it in a safe spot away from children and pets. Studies reveal that oral ingestion and skin exposure to boric acid has proven deadly in some cases.
Alternative Fire Ant Control Methods in McKinney
Boric acid might be a highly efficacious control method against fire ants, but it is not certainly the best one. Several other alternative treatments can help bring down or eliminate the fire ant population in your home. These include:
Bait Traps
Commercially available bait traps are viable solutions to control fire ant invasions and destroy large ant colonies.
Commercial Repellents
Ant repellents, such as those containing chemicals like DEET, can help repel fire ants as they forage.
Professional Exterminators
The best and most guaranteed way to eliminate fire ants is by contacting a professional pest control exterminator. These skilled and experienced specialists will identify the extent of the infestation and suggest the appropriate, long-term solution that can safely and effectively eliminate the problem.
Fire Ant Problem? We Can Help!
Boric acid is a potent treatment method for fire ants. However, DIY techniques, especially for large-scale infestations, can prove futile. Stampede Pest Control has been providing guaranteed pest control solutions for over a decade using organic chemicals. If you are dealing with a fire ant infestation, our team of local pest control technicians is at your service. Call us today to schedule your free consultation!