Fire ants are a real problem here in the DFW area, especially as summer temperatures rise. This kind of weather is perfect for them, and they don’t waste time spreading fast. You’ll start seeing more mounds popping up in the yard, and their stings can be extremely painful.
They can also mess with your lawn and even get into electrical stuff sometimes. If you’re already seeing signs or just want to stay ahead of it, I’ve got some simple, effective tips to help keep your place fire ant-free this summer.
Here’s everything DFW homeowners need to know to protect their yards, pets, and family this summer.
What Every DFW Homeowner Should Know About Fire Ants
Fire ants have always been causing trippy trouble in North Texas, especially in the warmer months. Compared to other ants, fire ants are highly territorial and aggressive. If you disturb their mound, even by accident, they will come out in the hundreds and sting you repeatedly.
The venom causes painful welts that can sometimes end up being allergic incidents for people and pets, depending on how sensitive one is to the venom. In fact, a single colony can contain more than 200,000 ants.
Further Reading: How to Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Spots Around Your Home
Signs You’ve Got Fire Ants in Your Yard
Sometimes the mounds are obvious, but fire ants don’t always make their presence known until it’s too late. Keep an eye out for:
Sometimes you’ll spot the mounds right away, but other times, fire ants stay hidden until you’re already dealing with a problem. Here’s how to spot them.
- You’ll see raised, dome-shaped mounds without a visible hole on top.
- If the soil gets disturbed, fire ants swarm out fast and don’t hold back.
- Trails of ants may show up near sidewalks, driveways, or around your AC unit.
- Dead patches in the yard could be from them tunneling underneath.
- Ants hanging around food, pet bowls, or outdoor trash cans are a red flag.
If you’re spotting any of these signs, it’s time to take action now before things get worse.
Useful Resource: How to Get Rid of Basement Bugs: 6 Simple Steps That Work
How to Control Fire Ants
Dealing with fire ants isn’t about spraying once and hoping for the best. These tips can help you win the battle and keep your lawn safe:
1. Spot-Treat Mounds Quickly
If you see a fire ant mound, don’t wait, go ahead and treat it right away. Use something made for fire ants, like a mound of drench or dust. Just make sure to treat it early in the morning or later in the evening when most of the ants are closer to the surface. And always follow the label instructions, so the treatment actually works.
2. Spread Bait to Hit the Whole Yard
Baits are great because the worker ants grab them and take them straight back to the queen. That way, you’re not just killing the ones you see, you’re wiping out the whole colony. Just make sure to spread the bait evenly across the yard, and do it on a dry day so it sticks around long enough to work.
3. Surface Sprays Won’t Stop the Colony
Sprays are fine for the ones you see crawling around, but they don’t touch the queen down below. And if she’s still alive, that whole colony’s coming right back, sometimes even worse than before.
4. Keep Your Lawn Trim and Clean
Fire ants love tall grass, thick mulch, and yard clutter, it’s like free lodging for them. So just keep the lawn trimmed, edge around the fence and walkways, and don’t let junk or debris pile up. If the yard doesn’t feel like home to them, they’re way less likely to stick around.
5. Don’t Overwater – Fire Ants Love Damp Lawns
If you’re watering too much, you’re just asking for fire ants, especially with this thick, clay soil we’ve got around here. Try to keep your yard on a regular schedule so the grass stays healthy, but don’t soak it.
6. Check for Mounds After Rain
After a good summer rain, don’t be surprised if those fire ants pop right back up. The rain can wash away your treatment and give them a reason to rebuild. Just take a walk around the yard after a storm, and if you see fresh mounds, go ahead and hit them again with bait.
7. Use Granules in Spring and Late Summer
If you’re looking to keep fire ants out for the long time, the trick is to spread a granular treatment over the whole yard, do it once in early spring and again in late summer. That sets up a solid barrier and helps stop new colonies before they even get started.
Learn More: How to Keep Your Pool Area Bug-Free in Texas?
8. Partner with EcoStar for Proven Fire Ant Control
In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, fire ants aren’t just a summertime nuisance, they’re a real threat to your family and pets. By following a few simple tips, you can lower your chances of an infestation and keep your yard safer all season long. But if they’ve already moved in, don’t wait around, take action before things get worse.
At EcoStar Pest Control, we specialize in safe, effective fire ant treatments tailored to North Texas homes. Our licensed technicians know exactly how these pests behave in the DFW climate, and more importantly, how to eliminate them for good.
Related Pest Control Services in DFW:
Fire ants aren’t the only pests causing problems during Texas summers. At EcoStar Pest Control, we also specialize in:
Looking for year-round protection? Check out our general pest control plans.
Ready for fast, reliable fire ant control? Contact EcoStar today and let us help you reclaim your yard with peace of mind.
