Living in Aiken means dealing with ants. It is just a fact of life. It can feel like they are everywhere, from parks to sidewalks, backyards to kitchens, and everywhere in between. While some species of ants in Aiken are a harmless annoyance, the fire ant is a potentially dangerous pest.
Fire ants can cause major issues around your home. Read on to learn more about this potentially dangerous pest, how to keep them away from your home, and how professional pest control in Aiken can help you live fire ant-free all year.
Do Fire Ants Bite Or Sting?
When people say get attacked by a pest like a fire ant, they use the terms “bite” and “sting” interchangeably. While it is not the case for all pests, fire ants can bite and sting.
Fire ants will bite their prey to hold it in place using their strong jaws. This bite will feel like a small pinch on your skin. After biting you, they will use their abdominal stinger to pierce your skin and inject venom repeatedly.
The difference between a bite and a sting is the pain level that follows. A fire ant bite will lead to minor irritation on your skin. A fire ant sting is much more painful. You’ll feel an immediate burning sensation followed by extreme irritation and itchiness. If you are allergic to fire ants, you may need medical attention after being bitten or stung.
What Do Fire Ant Bites Look Like?
Fire ant bites and stings feel different and will also look different. A fire ant bite will leave a mark elevated from the rest of your skin and will be red to purple in color. A fire ant sting will form a pus-filled blister that is white to light pink and surrounded by a darker red circle.
The best treatment for both bites and stings is to wash the stung area with soap and water, then use a treatment lotion like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
Tips To Effectively Deter Fire Ants
As annoying and dangerous as fire ants in Aiken can be, you want to do everything you can to keep them away from your home and family. Here are some ways to prevent fire ants around your property and steps you can take to deter fire ants:
- Seal cracks and crevices around your home.
- Seal areas where pipes and utilities, including HVAC, enter your home.
- Keep your lawn cut low and well-manicured.
- Eliminate moisture by removing standing water, repairing leaky pipes, and using a dehumidifier.
If you suspect a fire ant infestation in your yard, leave the nest alone and call a professional pest control company immediately. Removing a nest on your own can subject you to painful and potentially dangerous bites and stings.
Professional Ant Control In Aiken
If you are dealing with fire ants around your home in Aiken or want to make sure these pests don’t become a problem in the future, contact us today for all your ant control needs. At Aiken Pest Control, we have the knowledge and experience to keep your home protected.
Not only will our home pest control plans keep you living ant-free all year long, but we will also protect you from the other common pests in the Aiken area. We’ll inspect your entire home and yard for signs of pests and develop a treatment plan that meets your exact needs and budget.