Discovering a bunch of ants crawling on you can be like something out of a nightmare; it is even worse if you happen to step on a nest of fire ants. These ants in Waco are known for their painful stings and bites. They bite the skin and then use their stinger to inject venom, so it’s a two-step process that leaves you with a burning, painful sensation. These ants in Waco are somewhat notorious, and it’s important to learn about them so you can keep yourself protected from stings. Find out more about fire ants and ant control in this guide.
What Do Fire Ants In Waco Look Like?
The fire ants in Texas are called red imported fire ants. They are a reddish-brown or reddish-black color, and they are relatively small, usually less than ¼ of an inch long. They have two nodes that attach their abdomen and thorax and a 10-segmented antenna. The worker ants come out of the colony to sting people, while the ants responsible for reproduction are slightly larger. The males have an engorged thorax, and they usually don’t leave the nest.
How Dangerous Are Fire Ant Bites In Waco?
Fire ant stings are never pleasant to deal with. Many people have been stung at one point in their lives, and the sensation is hard to forget. It’s burning and lingering, and the intense feeling of pain and burning can last for a couple of hours.
But, the main question many people have is whether or not fire ant stings are dangerous. For the most part, the average person who gets stung will be okay and won’t have any serious side effects. But, this isn't always the case. They have venom in their stings, and some people react to the venom more strongly than others.
While most people will recover quickly, others will need to go to the hospital for treatment. Sometimes, people will end up with more severe reactions if they are stung repeatedly, so the risks are higher if you are stung by multiple ants simultaneously.
Is It Possible To Have An Allergic Reaction To Fire Ants In Waco?
The main reason people end up hospitalized from fire ant stings is that they are allergic to the venom. While people who aren’t allergic can still be impacted, those who are allergic are at the highest risk of having serious side effects, especially if they are stung more than once. It’s essential to be cautious because you might not realize that you are allergic to fire ant venom until you’re stung.
Fire Ant Prevention Tips For Waco Homes
Because fire ants are potentially dangerous, knowing how to prevent them is key. The best way to get ant control for these dangerous ants is with help from the pest control pros at EnviroGuard. We offer ant prevention and control services, and we can also assist you with implementing prevention measures on your own. Here are a few of the ant prevention steps to start with:
- Clean up trash and organic debris from around your yard. Fire ants are usually found outside, so remove fallen fruits and vegetables and other items that could attack them.
- Get lids for all garbage cans.
- Regularly clean kitchens and wipe up food and drink spills as this could attract these ants inside.
- Store pet food inside the home and remove bird feeders.
Find out more about how to deal with fire ants by contacting the experts at EnviroGuard today.