What homeowners should know about fire ants.
Fire ant colonies can spread across lawns and shift mound locations after weather or disturbance. Visible mounds are useful clues, but colony activity may extend beyond the soil pile you see. Treatment choice depends on the property, activity level, timing, and whether the goal is one-time relief or ongoing suppression.
Signs to watch for
- Loose soil mounds in sunny lawn areas
- Aggressive ants responding when soil is disturbed
- Repeat mounds after rainfall
- Activity near play spaces, pet areas, walkways, or equipment
What may be attracting them
- Warm open soil and irrigated lawns
- Food sources and outdoor eating areas
- Landscape edges and disturbed ground
- Neighboring untreated colonies
Useful first steps
- Mark active mounds without disturbing them
- Keep children and pets away from affected areas
- Avoid moving infested soil to another part of the property
- Note where activity recurs after weather changes
When to call House Call
Repeated activity usually deserves a closer look.
If the pest keeps returning, appears in multiple areas, creates a health or sting concern, or may be damaging the structure, professional inspection can help you avoid guesswork.
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