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Overview of Fire Ants in Georgia

Fire ants in Georgia are a serious nuisance and health concern. Known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, fire ants can quickly overrun yards, gardens, and sometimes even enter homes.

Their stings can cause severe allergic reactions, and their colonies grow rapidly without intervention. Professional pest control is often required to eliminate fire ants and prevent them from returning. Learn more about other local pests in our Pest Library.

Common Fire Ants in Georgia

Fire ants are reddish-brown to dark brown and range from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. Worker ants vary in size, which is a common identifying trait.

The most visible sign of fire ants is their large, dome-shaped mounds, which can reach up to 18 inches high. These mounds often appear after rain and may lack visible openings. Fire ants are especially active during Georgia’s warm spring and summer months.

Similar to mosquitoes in Georgia, fire ants become especially problematic during hot, rainy seasons when breeding conditions are ideal.

Problems Caused by Fire Ants in Georgia

The primary concern with fire ants is their painful stings. Fire ants latch on with their jaws and sting repeatedly, injecting venom that causes burning, swelling, and itchy welts.

In some cases, stings can lead to severe allergic reactions and require medical attention. Additional problems include:

  • Damage to lawns and landscaped areas
  • Short-circuits in electrical boxes and HVAC units
  • Harm to crops, livestock, and pets
  • Expensive repairs and medical costs from severe infestations
Fire Ants in Georgia
Fire Ants in Georgia

Where You’ll Find Them

Fire ants prefer sunny, moist environments and are commonly found:

  • In lawns and flower beds
  • Under driveways, patios, and sidewalks
  • Near HVAC units, utility boxes, and electrical panels
  • Around logs, tree stumps, and compost piles
  • Indoors during dry periods or after flooding

They’re known to enter homes in search of food or shelter when outside conditions become unfavorable.

Life Cycle of Fire Ants

Fire ants develop through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

  • A queen can lay hundreds of eggs per day
  • Colonies grow rapidly, reaching tens of thousands of ants
  • Winged males and females (alates) swarm after rain to form new colonies

Without professional treatment, fire ant populations can double or triple in a short period.

Fire Ants in Georgia

Why Fire Ants Thrive in Georgia’s Climate

Georgia’s hot summers, mild winters, and frequent rainstorms create ideal conditions for fire ants. These pests thrive in both rural fields and residential neighborhoods and can survive year-round thanks to the state’s climate stability.

Fire Ant Prevention Tips for Georgia Homes

To reduce the risk of a fire ant infestation:

  • Inspect your yard for mounds after rain
  • Keep lawns trimmed and clear of debris
  • Seal cracks around the home’s foundation
  • Avoid overwatering landscaping
  • Clean up food spills promptly, including pet food

DIY baits may reduce surface activity, but professional treatment is the best way to eliminate entire colonies, including the queen.

Fire Ants in Georgia

Professional Fire Ant Control in Georgia

Arete Pest Control provides effective fire ant control in Georgia, targeting the entire colony to stop the infestation at its source.

Our services include:

  • Property inspection to locate active mounds
  • Deep treatments that reach the queen and worker ants
  • Environmentally responsible product use
  • Long-term prevention strategies

Contact Arete Pest Control today to schedule fire ant extermination and protect your Georgia property from future invasions.

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