Are The Fire Ants In Baton Rouge Causing You Trouble?

Although there are more than 12,000 species of ant found worldwide, few cause as much fear and concern as the fire ant. These aptly named insects deliver painful, fiery stings when their nest is disturbed. Anyone who has ever tried to enjoy a leisurely picnic in the park may have experienced a rather unpleasant encounter with these insects.

DAT Exterminating provides quality pest control in Baton Rouge, and we're no stranger to the destructive toll these nuisance pests can take if not dealt with in an expedient manner. So, whether it’s a fire ant mound in your yard or an invasion inside of your home, the sooner you take action, the better. Quality fire ant control for your Baton Rouge home starts with educating yourself on the species you’re up against. Let’s take a closer look at this incredibly disruptive insect and different ways you can combat this problem to leave you feeling a little less “antsy.”

What Does A Fire Ant Look Like?

Fire ants can be easily recognized by their reddish-black or brownish-red appearance topped off by a stinger. Like most other ant species, their anatomy includes a hard exoskeleton for protection and six legs. Their heads, which are typically a copper brown color, are round with mandibles. They also have a clearly visible abdomen as well as an armored thorax midsection. The worker ants have been graced with a second stinger located In their abdominal region.   

Help! I've Been Bitten By A Fire Ant!

So, it finally happened. You were stung by a fire ant, or even worse, multiple fire ants, and you need to know what your next steps should be. The good news is that deaths caused by fire ant stings are incredibly rare and generally occur in people who are allergic to fire ant venom. If you've been stung by a fire ant, take the following steps:

• Remove all of the ants from your body immediately, as they will continue to pump as much venom as they can.
• Wash the affected area with a gentle antibacterial soap and water.
• Pat dry and then ice the sting site for approximately 10 minutes, which will reduce any swelling or inflammation.
• If the inflammation persists, apply hydrocortisone cream two to three times a day.
• Use an over-the-counter antihistamine, like Benadryl, if the site is still swollen and itchy.
• If you still feel some pain, take Tylenol as directed.

For any allergic reactions like shortness of breath, sweating, redness, and excessive itching, seek medical attention right away.

What Attracts Fire Ants In Baton Rouge

Blame the city’s mild and sunny weather for making conditions ideal for the existence of fire ants. In addition, these ants prefer to create their colonies and construct mounds in moist environments. You can easily find their nests along riverbanks and in wide-open spaces like athletic fields and lawns. 

Fire Ant Prevention Tips For Baton Rouge Residents

Fire ant treatment in Baton Rouge always starts with prevention. This means being proactive in creating an unfavorable environment for pests. Therefore, trim away trees and shrubs so that foliage and branches don’t come into contact with your home. Also, rake up any debris from your yard, including leaf piles, grass clippings, stacked wood, and ripe fruit that has fallen from trees. Keep your lawn cut low and store outdoor trash receptacles as far from your home as possible.

But by far, the best fire ant killer for your Baton Rouge home is a pest control professional with the experience and know-how to eradicate these pests from your property. And we at DAT Exterminating have a proven track record of doing just that. Contact us today and request your free inspection.