Identifying Them

The European fire ant is the type of fire ant that is most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest. They are a relatively new inhabitant of the area, but have the potential to spread and become a more serious problem. The appearance of fire ants helps to set them apart from some of the other varieties. While color can vary greatly, a reddish-brown is the color most commonly associated with them. They are covered in fine hairs and have a generally dull head and thorax in comparison to a more shiny abdomen. 

Why They’re a Problem

Fire ants are bothersome for reasons beyond just being after your food, unlike other varieties of ants. They tend to be fairly aggressive, and can deliver painful bites and stings. And if the painful bites and stings aren't enough, people who are sensitive to fire ant stings could find themselves suffering from an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis in some cases. These ants live in high density populations, which increases the level of threat they pose, as does their tendency to prefer areas where humans like to live. Not only that, but they can also negatively impact the ecosystem by protecting insects that are damaging to the local plant life.

How to Deal with Them

Dealing with fire ants can be tricky, given their ability to bud off from a colony and continue to survive. Prevention tactics can help keep populations lower, but are unlikely to eliminate them. They like to live in humid areas, so places near the base of trees and bushes, under logs and rocks, and other similar areas tend to be attractive. Keeping your property free of debris and avoiding the presence of too much moisture can make your space less attractive to them. If you find yourself facing a fire ant infestation, one of the best things you can do to address the problem is to call for professional pest control services.

Ants can be annoying at the best of times. When you add varieties that can deliver painful, even dangerous bites and stings, they go beyond annoying and become a real problem. Take care to keep your property from being attractive to them. Address the problem right away if you notice one so you can keep everyone on your property safe.

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