Ants resurge in the Big Country: Tips to prevent them
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Due to recent rainfall and warm temperatures, fire ants are emerging from their winter homes all over the Big Country. David Shockey, the assistant manager at Garden World, offers solutions for dealing with fire ants and explains the method he considers most effective for exterminating this invasive species.
Solenopsis invicta, commonly known as fire ants, is an invasive species native to South America. They are recognized for their aggressive behavior and more potent sting than most native ants in the Big Country.
Fire Ants march into The Big Country, how to prevent them from your yard
An average fire ant colony typically contains between 100,000 and 500,000 workers, along with several hundred winged forms and queens, posing a significant danger to pets, livestock, and humans. Although rare, 14 human fatalities have occurred in Texas alone, mainly due to severe allergic reactions to the ants’ sting.
Over the years, these risks have led people to take measures to eliminate them from their properties. Shockey explained his preferred method for exterminating these pests.
“The baits, to me, are the most efficient because you don’t have to be as direct with your approach and chase down every single mound. You sprinkle it over an area, and they will find it as they forage,” Shockey explained.
Head of Maintenance for Roby ISD Eli Sepeda added that as the summer heats up, there’s a better chance of seeing them where you really don’t want to.
“Especially when it starts to get dry, they’ll start to go indoors more because they’re looking for food and shelter,” Sepeda said.
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While a problem outside can be solved with just the right pesticide, many don’t want those harsh chemicals inside their houses. In that case, there is a more natural remedy, with orange oil as the main ingredient.
A typical mixture includes about 1.5 ounces of orange oil, 20% white vinegar, and water in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Some recipes may recommend adding dish soap or horticultural soap, and the quantities will vary depending on the size of the container. This mixture is most effective when used along baseboards, doorways, and windows inside your house. It offers a safer solution for repelling ants, particularly in households with pets and kids.
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