Controlling An Indoor Fire Ant Infestation

Not only do homeowners want ants out of their yards

, we most certainly do not want them IN our homes. One of the most dangerous ants to have invading your home is the Red Imported Fire Ant. When dealing with a fire ant infestation indoors, it is important to utilize all methods of control and be safe about chemical applications.

If we first focus on prevention, by removing food sources that attract them, perhaps we can avoid fire ants in our home all together. But, if you have already crossed that threshold and are seeing tell tale signs of fire ants in your home, such as sawdust type debris gathering around expansion joints near the edges of carpeting, it may be time to take action.

Fire ants maybe just moving indoors from a nearby outdoor mound, but that doesnt make your two year old any safer. So, you must quickly do what needs to be done to limit the possibility of unwanted stings for your family. There are insecticides labeled specifically for indoor use. You must find the safest chemical option, read labels or visit the NC Agricultural Chemicals Manual to review available rated chemical for ant control. Pyrethroid insecticides are good choices for indoor use. You may see other names such as permethrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin on the labels as well. These are all pyrethroid insecticides and are rated for indoor use. Baits are better left alone as a fire ant killer, because the last thing that you want to have happen is MORE fire ants searching for food in your home.

If you are having trouble identifying if your ant pest is truly a Red Imported Fire Ant use this publication to help you.

More than likely you will need to control the outdoor population of fire ants to maintain adequate control of them indoors. Review our other articles regarding outdoor fire ant control.

Tips for avoiding medical emergencies and treating ant stings:

Teach children and visitors about fire ants and their hazard

Wear protective clothing during outdoor activities.

Wear shoes or boots and/or tuck pant legs into socks.

Be prepared for an emergency by consulting with your doctor.

If stung, treat with an approved insect bite remedy that deadens pain and provides protection against secondary infection, such as Sting-KillExternal Anesthetic containing benzocaine.

Persons reacting severely to fire ant stings should see a physician immediately.

Persons who are hypersensitive should see an allergist for treatment if it is possible they may

come in contact with fire ants.

by: Genny Brown

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