Fire Ant Control in Lake Gaston

Professional Fire Ant Control for Southside Virginia & Northern North Carolina

Fire ants are aggressive, especially when their mounds are disturbed. Accidentally stepping into a fire ant nest can leave painful and itchy bites on you or your family. Then the disturbed mound may split to create more fire ant colonies. A mound is just the tip of the iceberg, as fire ant colonies can have up to 500,000 ants. 

Our team has received training from the Southside Virginia Department of Agriculture Fire Ant Experts so we can better serve our communities. Commonwealth Exterminators provides multiple techniques for successful long-term fire ant control in Virginia and Lake Gaston.

Contact us today at (434) 848-9800 to schedule your fire ant treatment or request a free estimate online!

Proven Strategies for Fire Ant Elimination

The key to fire ant removal is to successfully combat the queen. Colonies revolve around the protection and feeding of their queen. Control methods that remove the queen are only part of comprehensive fire ant control.

We reduce fire ants with these three techniques:

• Granular Bait: This product is usually a mix of food that is attractive to ants and small amounts of slow-acting insecticides. This effective method is safe for pets and wildlife, but it is slow acting. It can take one to eight weeks to come into full effect, but this is technique successfully removes the queen.
• Mound Treatments: We use fast-acting contact insecticides to apply directly to each fire ant mound. This can quickly eliminate large mounds and prevent smaller mounds from appearing during bait treatments. The liquid drench method can kill a mound in just a few hours, whereas dry treatments may take a few days.
• Broadcast Insecticide: This long-lasting solution can manage fire ants for an entire season. Treatment can be applied as a liquid spray or as granular similar to the bait. This can kill ants that move to create new mounds in your yard during other treatments.

These three methods provide comprehensive fire ant control in Southside Virginia to enjoy your outdoor space without facing itchy and aggressive ants. Commonwealth Exterminators has been treating pests in our community for over 40 years and has trained with Southside Virginia’s fire ant experts. Let our team provide long-lasting solutions for fire ants on your property.

Don’t use DIY solutions to fight these persistent pests. Call our team today at (434) 848-9800 to schedule an appointment!

Understanding Fire Ant Behavior & Risks

Fire ants are more than just a nuisance; they pose serious risks to both people and pets. Understanding their behavior can help prevent infestations and minimize dangers.

• Aggressive Nature: Fire ants are highly territorial. If their nest is disturbed, they swarm and sting simultaneously.
• Painful Stings: Fire ant stings cause painful welts and can lead to severe allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Structural Damage: Fire ants often invade electrical boxes, air conditioning units, and foundations, causing costly repairs.
• Rapid Colony Growth: A single fire ant queen can lay up to 1,500 eggs per day, meaning infestations spread quickly if left untreated.

Tips to Prevent Fire Ant Infestations

While professional treatment is the most effective way to eliminate fire ants, you can take steps to prevent them from invading your property:

• Eliminate Food Sources: Keep pet food indoors and remove fallen fruit or sugary residues from outdoor areas.
• Maintain Your Lawn: Regular mowing and landscaping reduce the chances of fire ants establishing colonies.
• Seal Entry Points: Check foundations, utility entry points, and doors for cracks where ants might enter.
• Reduce Moisture: Fix leaks and ensure proper drainage, as fire ants thrive in warm, moist environments.
• Schedule Regular Treatments: Ongoing professional fire ant prevention keeps your yard protected year-round.

Protect Your Property with Ongoing Fire Ant Prevention

Don't wait until fire ants take over your outdoor spaces. Take proactive measures to prevent infestations with our ongoing fire ant prevention services. Our experienced Lake Gaston technicians can inspect your property and create a customized prevention plan, one that's tailored to your specific needs and property size.

Benefits of proactive and ongoing fire ant prevention include:

• Peace of mind knowing your property is protected
• Reduced risk of fire ant stings for your family and pets
• Potential savings on costly fire ant treatments in the future
• Promotion of a safe and pest-free outdoor environment

Our team offers seasonal fire ant control that can protect your property from these pests. We’ve served our communities for 40 years and are dedicated to helping families enjoy the outdoors without fighting pesky insects like fire ants.

Take Action Against Fire Ants Today!

Don't let fire ants invade your property and disrupt your outdoor activities. Our expert team at Commonwealth Exterminators is ready to provide effective and long-lasting fire ant control solutions. Whether you need a one-time treatment or ongoing prevention, we have the expertise to keep your yard pest-free.

Don’t delay! Commonwealth Exterminators is here to help. Schedule your free estimate by calling us at (434) 848-9800 or filling out our online contact form.

Commonly Asked Questions

Why do fire ants seem to sting at the same time?

Fire ants tend to sting when they feel vibrations or movement. Usually, when fire ants crawl onto someone, they will move to try and get them off. This triggers the ants to bite or sting based during movement.

Are fire ant stings lethal?

Only about 1% of the population is hypersensitive to ant stings. If you get stung by fire ants, watch for symptoms of allergic reactions like excessive swelling, shortness of breath, or sweating. If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention. Otherwise, keep the stings clean and avoid itching them to prevent infection.

Can fire ants be eradicated?

Red fire ants cannot be killed entirely, but they can be significantly reduced or temporarily eliminated from your property with our control methods. Commonwealth Exterminators’ three techniques provide comprehensive fire ant control in Southside Virginia and Lake Gaston so you can enjoy your outdoor space again.

How do fire ants enter my yard?

Fire ants can enter your yard through various means, including soil movement, landscaping materials, and even flooding. They often migrate from untreated neighboring properties.

What time of year are fire ants most active?

Fire ants are most active during warm months, especially spring and summer. However, in mild climates like Southside Virginia and Lake Gaston, they can remain active year-round.

Do fire ants cause damage beyond their stings?

Yes, fire ants can damage electrical equipment, air conditioning units, and even crops. Their aggressive nature makes them a nuisance beyond their painful stings.

Can fire ants infest my home?

While fire ants prefer outdoor environments, they can enter homes searching for food and water. Proper exclusion techniques and professional treatments can help prevent infestations.

How long does fire ant treatment last?

Depending on the method used, fire ant treatments can last anywhere from a few weeks to an entire season. Ongoing prevention is key to long-term control.

What should I do if I find fire ant mounds on my property in Southside Virginia?

If you discover fire ant mounds, avoid disturbing them and contact a professional service like Commonwealth Exterminators for effective treatment options.