Fire ants in Texas are more than an annoyance; they’re an invasive pest capable of disrupting native ecosystems, damaging property, and sending people to the emergency room with painful stings. 

Understanding fire ants, how they spread, and what actually works for controlling them can help you protect your home, family, and pets.

Fire Ants in Texas

Texas is home to many native ant species, including fire ants, but the ones causing the most trouble are the red imported fire ants and the black imported fire ants. These pests were accidentally introduced to the U.S. from South America and have since adapted to the southern United States. These pests have settled in places like Texas, southern Arizona, and even some areas along the Pacific Coast.

Imported fire ants are aggressive social insects with dense ant colonies, rapid colony growth, and the ability to thrive in urban areas. Their colonies often contain multiple queens, helping fire ant populations expand quickly across infested areas.

How to Identify Fire Ants

If you see a central mound of loose soil, especially after rainfall, you may be looking at a fire ant colony. Unlike other ants in Texas, fire ant mounds lack an open central hole. When disturbed, worker ants rapidly emerge and swarm in response to alarm pheromones released by other ants.

Key features of fire ants include:

• Dark red to dark brown coloration
• Workers of varying sizes and head widths
• Ability to climb vertical surfaces
• Highly defensive behavior

Why Fire Ants Are Dangerous

Fire ants deliver a painful sting. Some describe fire ant stings as a painful, intense burning sensation. Some individuals may experience severe reactions requiring medical attention. Beyond health concerns, fire ants can damage:

• Lawns and landscaping
• Home foundations and wood structures
• Electrical equipment
• Recreational fields and gardens

DIY Treatments: What Works and What Doesn’t

Texas homeowners sometimes use hot water, but these methods rarely kill the entire colony and can damage surrounding plants. Others attempt fire ant bait or mound treatment, but applying the wrong product at the wrong time can limit results. Unfortunately, most DIY attempts fail to address:

• Multiple queen colonies
• Deep, complex tunnels
• Widespread mound networks
• Hidden nests inside wall voids

While researchers continue to explore biological control agents and other potential biological control methods, these solutions are not yet practical for homeowners. 

Without targeted treatment, a single colony may split into several. To reliably control imported fire ants, consistent and strategic professional fire ant treatment is needed.

How Solve Pest Pros Can Help

For effectively killing fire ants and reducing long-term populations, targeted chemical treatments offer the best results. Solve Pest Pros uses eco-friendly solutions designed to:

• Control fire ants at their source
• Prevent reinfestation
• Reduce fire ant populations over time
• Protect families, pets, and property

And if fire ants return between visits, we’ll re-service your home for free.

Fire Ant Problems in Texas? We’re Ready to Help.

If you’re dealing with expanding fire ant mounds or an entire infested area, a professional ant control service is the fastest, safest solution. If you’ve been dealing with fire ants, reach out to Solve today!