Since coming to the United States nearly 100 years ago, Red Imported Fire Ants have gained a reputation as a notoriously aggressive pest. With a lack of natural enemies living in the Florida ecosystem, these ants can be found all across the Sunshine State. Commercial spaces also regularly deal with these militant insects, especially those with outdoor spaces and operations. Not only can they impact your business, but they are a health & safety concern for your customers. Here's a closer look at the dangers of having fire ants in your business.

How Fire Ants Impact Your Business

Fire Ants can cause a host of problems for your business if they're present on your property. Some of these include:

• Customer & Employee Safety: The painful, stinging bites of fire ants live up to their namesake. Many fire ants will also bite more than once. If they feel threatened, they'll also signal other ants to attack. Within hours, painful blisters will develop on the bites and can take days to go away. Some people are allergic to fire ants and can even suffer anaphylactic shock.
• Property Damage: Fire ants can also cause damage to your landscape. These tunneling insects dig through soil and can compromise plant and grass health. Additionally, they have been known to infest air conditioning units and other utilities, which can lead to costly damage.
• Reputation Risks: Visible infestations near outdoor seating areas, entrances, or play spaces can lead to negative reviews and steer customers away.

 What to Do if You Spot Fire Ants on Your Commercial Property 

It's important to take caution if you notice fire ants on your property to avoid getting bitten or dispersing them even more. However, you should take immediate action. Here's a few important steps you can take:

• Avoid disturbing any fire ant nests or mounds: Touching, moving, or stepping in these mounds will provoke fire ants to attack. They can even cover a few feet in search of potential threats.
• Identify high-traffic areas for ants and potential nesting sites: Fire ants, like other insects, prefer to be close to food and water. Be sure to monitor these areas and close off any possible food sources.
• Contact pest control professionals: If left unmanaged, a Red Imported Fire Ant colony can have up to 250,000+ ants. In order to effectively remove an infestation before it reaches this size, it's crucial to enlist pest control experts.

Protect Your Business: Turn to Turner

If you're dealing with a fire ant problem, Turner's pest control technicians are here to help. Our comprehensive management and prevention plans eradicate fire ant colonies and keep them from coming back. Our treatments are customized to your business' specific environment, layout, and needs. Don't let an ant problem get out of control. Call us at 800-225-5305 or fill out our free inspection form today.