So far, scientists have managed to identify around 200 species of ants on this planet. One of the most widely spotted types among them is the fire ant. You’ll see fire ants in most parts of the United States including Michigan. These creatures are red and black in color and possess dark abdomens. Fire ants are usually smaller compared to other frequently seen species of ants.
You can spot these ants in your home when the weather starts getting warmer. This can make you wonder whether you should worry about a fire ant infestation in your home. The answer is “Yes”. These insects can be dangerous for your home. You should contact a service provider like Rove Pest Control for help even if you notice a couple of fire ants moving around your house.
The section below will help you to understand how fire ants can harm your home.
They Are Invasive in Nature
These ants enter homes during the summer months in search of water and food. They usually operate in groups and are common in areas where homeowners store food or sugar. Fire ants’ need for food increases as they start multiplying within your home. If you don’t take prompt steps to get rid of these creatures, they will soon start reproducing and form big colonies on your property.
Unlike most other ant types attacking our homes, fire ants sting (they also bite). They inject venom into their prey’s body using their tiny but sharp mandibles. The venom can cause major health issues in victims if they don’t receive treatment at the right time.
The bites of these insects are also pretty dangerous. Indeed, the pain and suffering resulting from bites are not as serious as those resulting from stings. Still, they can make the victim experience intense pain and at times allergy-like symptoms.
They Are Destructive
These insects can be extremely destructive, particularly to plants. You should also not wait to call ant control professionals to eradicate fire ants from your home if you have small pets. According to recently obtained numbers, these ants cause damages worth $6.7 billion every year to American agriculture and the environment.
Fire ants can also damage home utilities. It’s common for them to cause serious electrical malfunctions. When they invade a home, they often end up damaging communications and electrical equipment. This happens due to their habit of chewing on insulators. What’s worse is that fire ants may even deposit soil around the insulators and build their nest.
They Can Result in Structural Damage
Fire ants excavate the ground to build tunnels. They do so to make space for the new members of their colony. These excavations can cause major structural damage to your house. The damages are more serious when the tunnels are near pathways, driveways, and walls. Alternatively, if the ants dig tunnels inside a tree close to your house, the tree can collapse on the building and lead to structural damage.
Final Words
If you hire experienced ant control professionals, they will not only remove the existing insects from your house but will also prevent further infestations. They will also help you to identify the entry points.