Texas Fire Ants
The onset of warm weather in April generally marks the beginning of fire ant season in the Lone Star State. Although their mounds are prevalent throughout the country, fire ants are not native to the United States. They are believed to have come from South America on a cargo shipment to Mobile, AL, in the 1930’s and spread like wildfire across the hinterland.
The harm caused by Texas fire ants to humans can be devastating. In 2005 the Texas Agriculture Commission estimated the damage and control costs of fire ants to agriculture and households at $1.2 billion. Also known as red ants, they consume acres of crops, frequently attack and kill newborn livestock and wild animals. There have even been incidents in which their poisonous venom caused the human deaths, senior citizens being the most susceptible.
Venom
Fire ant venom causes pain, irritation and swelling to humans. The sting often leaves white pustules on the skin that can become infected. People allergic to fire ant venom may experience anaphylaxis and require emergency treatment. Steroid creams, hydro cortisones, bleach, alcohol and salt are some common external treatments for fire ant bites, while antihistamines can be taken to alleviate allergic reactions.
Although the bulk of their destructiveness occurs in the agricultural sector since they mostly feed on seeds and young plants, fire ants for some reason also have an affinity to electricity. They often eat through the insulation of electrical wires causing shorts that disrupt traffic lights, businesses and even airports.
Pest Control
Extermination and eradication of fire ants have never been easy, and the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) restrictions on the use of the most effective pesticides in the 1980’s have only compounded the problem. Fire ants have no natural predators in the United States and they have built-in survival mechanisms against natural disasters such as floods.
Texas is leading the way in the global war against fire ants. The Texas Legislature funded the Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Plan in 1997 that has supported research, regulatory and outreach education programs. Upon discovering growing numbers of fire ant colonies on their shores China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia have sent their scientists to Texas to study emulate pest control and extermination methods used in the Lone Star State.
John Moore Services
John Moore Services has a team of experienced professionals that can provide safe and environmentally-friendly eradication solutions of Texas fire ants. The licensed, certified and drug-tested technicians at John Moore can also handle other pest control needs including rodent, termite and mosquito extermination. Contact John Moore Services or call today at 1-877-730-7711.
