Why Fire Ants Keep Coming Back (And How to Stop Them)

If you’ve had a fire ant problem that you’ve tried to deal with in the past and you can’t seem to get it under control, you might be feeling incredibly frustrated. A recurring fire ant problem in the lawn is often due to recolonization.

That can be complicated to deal with, but there are answers.

Jump to Section

• What is the best way to get rid of fire ants in the lawn?
• Do DIY fire ant treatments actually work?
• How do professionals treat fire ant infestations?
• Why do fire ants keep coming back after treatment?
• Are fire ants dangerous to kids and pets?
• When is the best time to treat fire ants in Mississippi?
• How long does fire ant control last?
• What attracts fire ants to my lawn?
• Can fire ants damage my lawn or property?
• Should I call a professional for fire ant control?
• Choosing fire ant control in Tupelo, Oxford and/or New Albany, MS

In this article, we’ll cover everything that you ought to know about fire ant control in North Mississippi. You deserve a fire ant yard infestation solution that works.

What is the best way to get rid of fire ants in the lawn?

If you Google “how to kill fire ant mounds,” you’ll find plenty of DIY solutions and control products out there. But the truth is, you’re going to have the best results with professional fire ant control in North Mississippi.

A pro is not only going to have the highest quality and most effective products, but they’re also going to have the knowledge and expertise of how to deal with these pests.

Do DIY fire ant treatments actually work?

There are certainly some DIY fire ant control approaches that can work. They do sell fire ant products at big box stores that can help you address these pests.

But many homeowners don’t even want to go near a fire ant mound, and we can’t blame them.

Homemade concoctions like baking soda and sugar are less effective. We also strongly advise against taking matters into your own hands with dangerous methods such as gasoline or bleach, as this can easily go awry.

How do professionals treat fire ant infestations?

Professional fire ant treatment in MS involves using an insecticide that targets the queen. This is going to be the most effective approach. Pros never treat the mounds directly, which is a common DIY mistake. They treat the lawn as a whole.

As we’ve mentioned, a pro will also use professional-grade, high-quality products to deliver the best results.

Why do fire ants keep coming back after treatment?

A recurring fire ant problem in the lawn can occur for several reasons.

For one, during extreme temperatures, fire ants tunnel deep into the ground, making application timing critical. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to miss the optimal window. Also, if what you apply does not target the queen, then the mound will still survive. Often, the queen is well hidden, making it difficult to kill her, especially with a DIY approach.

Fire ants can also keep coming back if your neighbors have them. Because fire ants are so rampant in this region, you’re going to get the best results when multiple neighbors implement fire ant control.

Are fire ants dangerous to kids and pets?

Yes, fire ants can be dangerous to kids, pets, and you! They are a highly aggressive pest, and they will swarm to attack if their mound is threatened. That’s a key reason why we would advise against trying to get rid of fire ants in the lawn on your own.

One fire ant sting may not be a big deal, but hundreds of stings can easily land you in the hospital. Even if you’re not allergic, the venom from a fire ant sting can cause burning pain, intense itching, and blisters. If you’re allergic, fire ant stings can be deadly.

In fact, even if not allergic, fire ant stings can be fatal in young children and pets, as their small body weight means a higher concentration of venom. Kids and pets are also more likely to encounter fire ants since they are probably playing in the grass.

When is the best time to treat fire ants in Mississippi?

Spring and fall are the best times to treat fire ants in Mississippi. This is when the soil is warm, and the fire ants are most active.

In general, we target April and September in North Mississippi. But weather patterns determine the ultimate time to treat these pests.

Application timing errors are among the most common causes of recurring fire ant problems in lawns.

How long does fire ant control last?

Spring and fall baits must continue, as fire ants will continually try to recolonize. The truth is that fire ants are super prevalent in our area, and you have to keep up with control. This is not a one-time service that will cover you forever.

But if you’re treating in the spring and fall, you can successfully maintain a fire-ant-free lawn.

What attracts fire ants to my lawn?

Fire ants are omnivores and will feed on both animal and vegetable food sources. Like other types of ants, fire ants are constantly roaming and in search of food. Fire ants feast on outdoor pests like spiders and earthworms, but they also forage for plant material such as seeds.

Fire ants are also attracted to moisture, as it makes the ground easier to tunnel into. And they prefer sunny properties, so if you have a yard that has poor drainage and doesn’t have a lot of shade, it might be preferable for fire ants.

That said, fire ants are already present in high numbers in our region, so they’re likely to show up randomly, whether conditions are favorable or not.

Can fire ants damage my lawn or property?

Yes, fire ants can cause actual damage to a lawn due to their tunneling habits. This weakens the soil and disturbs root systems. Underground tunnels can lead to unhealthy grass in those areas. Plus, above-ground mounds are unsightly and make a yard unusable, as you’ll want to avoid contact with them.

Fire ants can also damage underground irrigation piping. And soil erosion from tunneling can lead to problems with your foundation.

Should I call a professional for fire ant control?

If you want the best approach to get rid of fire ants in your lawn, we definitely recommend calling a pro. While there are DIY products that you can apply yourself, most homeowners prefer to bring in a pro who can handle everything for them. It means they don’t have to put themselves at risk when treating the lawn.

The key is to make sure that you choose wisely when it comes to fire ant control in Tupelo, Oxford and/or New Albany, MS. We’ll talk next about what you should expect from these types of programs.

Because of the prevalence of fire ants in our region, lots of companies offer this as an add-on service. But you definitely want to do your research.

Choosing fire ant control in Tupelo, Oxford and/or New Albany, MS

Keep in mind that not all fire ant control services are created equally. Make sure that you do your research and understand what you’re getting. Ask questions, because some of these “programs” only involve as-needed mound treatments or might only cover a band around the customer's home.

At Lawn & Pest Solutions, our approach, whether once-a-year or twice-a-year, covers the entire lawn and landscaping.

In addition, we offer a full array of professional pest control and lawn care services. While most of our clients use our other pest control services (as well as lawn care), we do have some “fire ant-only" customers who hire us specifically for this need.

Our go-to approach is a bait application in the spring and fall. Each bait application is followed 2 to 3 weeks later by another visit (that price is included in a bait application visit) where our pros gauge the progress of eradication and reapply control measures as needed.

If problems arise during the year, the customer only needs to contact us. We are coming back!

We also offer a special fire ant treatment for people and pets who are allergic to fire ant stings. It's not that our standard treatment isn’t effective. But our modified approach is a different product that initially acts as bait and then has a residual effect for 12 months. The product applied is more costly, so this is a more expensive application…but worth the investment for those who are rightfully concerned about the risk of fire ants in their yard.

When people have a very low tolerance for any fire ant activity in their lawn, we recommend this approach.

No matter your specific situation, you deserve peace of mind. The last thing that you need is to stress about fire ants hanging around your home. We want every homeowner to enjoy their yard!

Ready to learn why Lawn & Pest Solutions could be your choice for the best pest control services for your home and landscape in Tupelo, Oxford or New Albany, MS? We’d love to learn more about you. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we can prepare a customized plan perfect for you and your home.