Archive for May, 2008:
Florida Pest Control Fire Ants
There is nothing quite as painful as a fire ant sting, and fire ants mounds in Florida are everywhere. Seemingly indestructible fire ant colonies can overwhelm even the most well kept yard. Fire ants, sometimes referred to as simply red ants, are stinging ants with over 280 species worldwide. The venom of a fire ant sting causes stinging and swells into a bump. This can cause much pain and irritation at times, especially when stung repeatedly by several at once. The bump often forms into a white pustule, which is at risk of becoming infected. The pustules are unattractive and uncomfortable while active and, if the bite sites become infected, can turn into scars. Fire ant actually only bite to grab hold and sting with their abdomen. The result is intense pain.
Getting rid of these little buggers can be a summer long project as most people simply kill off a large part of the colony only to have surviving fire ants start the process of rebuilding before you are back in the house. Florida Pest Control companies can help.
Extinguishing one mound will seems only to produce another in another part of your yard . These pests are relentless in survival instincts and are very resistant to may typical pesticides. The homeowner must attempt to kill the queen of the mound and she is often burrowed deep underground , hence the re-appearing of the mound a few days after you think you have killed it
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Carpenter ants are black or brown and measure up to 1″ in length. They are often confused with termites. Unlike termites they have pinched waists and elbowed antennae. Just like termites, there is a winged version too. Carpenter ants are found throughout the country, but are most common in the cool, damp climates like those found in the northern half of the
Investigation
There are several ways to recognize a carpenter ant infestation:
• Swarmers: Winged carpenter ants that swarm are often mistaken for termites. Remember ants have pairs of wings that are of unequal length and a pinched waist. If you see the winged form of ant in any number indoors, you have a problem.
• Sawdust: If you see sawdust raining from your ceiling or from any indoor cracks, you have a problem.
• Ants #1: If you see more than 10 ants a day in any room other than the kitchen, you have a problem.
• Ants #2: If you see ants in your home and the ground outside is frozen, you have a problem.
• Crunching Noise: If you hear munching, rustling or crunching noise coming from within a windowsill, wall or ceiling, you have a problem.
• Galleries: Ants are fastidious. Looking at damaged wood you will find their tunnels are clean and the walls of the tunnels almost look as if they were sandpapered smooth, unlike the messy termite tunnels.
