Help Fire Ants Are Out Of Control

Jul 20, 2025

Fire ants are a persistent nuisance for homeowners across the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. These aggressive, reddish-brown ants are notorious for their painful stings, which can cause lingering discomfort and even leave visible marks on the skin long after the pain subsides. As highly social insects, fire ants build complex colonies with visible mounds that can disrupt lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Left unchecked, these invasive pests, known as red imported fire ants (RIFAs), can spread rapidly, making effective control essential for a pest-free property. At Prize Pest Control, we specialize in comprehensive fire ant solutions tailored to the unique needs of DFW residents. Here’s everything you need to know about stopping fire ants and protecting your home.

Understanding Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFAs)

Red imported fire ants, as described by Pest World, are an invasive species prevalent in the southern United States, including the Dallas Fort Worth area. Their dark reddish-brown bodies and aggressive behavior make them easy to identify. When their mounds are disturbed, fire ants swarm quickly, delivering painful bites and stings that can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and, in some cases, long-lasting brown marks on the skin. These ants form highly organized colonies with a single queen or multiple queens, allowing them to expand rapidly and dominate large areas. Recognizing their behavior and seasonal patterns is key to effective control.

Why Fire Ants Are a Problem in DFW

The warm climate of Dallas Fort Worth provides an ideal environment for fire ants to thrive. Their activity peaks from spring through fall, when they are actively foraging, expanding their colonies, and building new mounds. Rainfall can exacerbate mound-building as ants seek higher ground to avoid flooding, making your yard a prime target. Even in the milder winters of DFW, fire ants may remain active, retreating deeper into their nests during colder spells but re-emerging when temperatures rise. This year-round presence underscores the importance of proactive and consistent pest control measures.

Effective Methods for Fire Ant Control

Controlling fire ants requires a strategic approach, as these resilient pests can be difficult to eliminate without targeting the entire colony, including the queen. Here are the most common methods for managing fire ant infestations:

1. Mound Drenches

Mound drenches involve pouring a large volume of liquid insecticide directly onto an ant mound. While this method can kill ants on contact, its effectiveness is limited if the queen is located deep within the colony. Without eliminating the queen, the colony can quickly recover, making this a short-term solution for small, isolated mounds.

2. Dust or Granular Insecticides

Dust or granular insecticides are applied directly to the surface of fire ant mounds. These products work by killing ants that come into contact with the treated area. However, like mound drenches, their success depends on reaching the queen and other key colony members. In larger infestations or areas with multiple colonies, this method may not provide lasting results.

3. Fire Ant Baits

Baits are one of the most effective solutions for fire ant control. Worker ants collect the bait and carry it back to the colony, where it is shared with the queen and her offspring. Over time, this disrupts the colony’s ability to reproduce and survive, leading to its gradual decline and eventual elimination. Baits containing insect growth regulators (IGRs) or naturally occurring soil fungi are safe for household use and approved for fire ant control. For best results, baits should be applied strategically during periods of peak ant activity, typically in the warmer months.

Why DIY Solutions May Fail

While Do It Yourself methods like mound drenches and granular insecticides can provide temporary relief, they often fail to address larger infestations or prevent reinfestation. In areas with both native and imported fire ants, such as Dallas Fort Worth, treating individual mounds may not be enough to stop the spread of colonies. Professional pest control services, like those offered by Prize Pest Control, provide a comprehensive approach that targets the root of the problem, ensuring long-term results.

Seasonal Fire Ant Activity

Understanding the seasonal behavior of fire ants can help you time your control efforts for maximum impact. Here’s how fire ant activity varies throughout the year in the DFW area:

Spring through Early Fall: This is the peak season for fire ant activity. Mounds become more visible as ants actively forage, expand their colonies, and build new nests. Warm temperatures and increased rainfall can trigger heightened mound-building, especially after heavy rains when ants move to higher ground.
Late Fall and Winter: In colder months, fire ants become less active and may retreat deeper into their nests to avoid freezing temperatures. While mounds may appear less prominent, the ants remain alive, lying dormant until warmer conditions return. In the milder winters of Dallas Fort Worth, fire ants may continue low-level activity year-round.

By aligning your pest control efforts with these seasonal patterns, you can stay one step ahead of fire ants. Regular monitoring and preventive treatments during peak activity periods are critical for keeping your property ant-free.

Why Choose Prize Pest Control for Fire Ant Management?

Fire ant infestations can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. Prize Pest Control offers expert fire ant control services designed to eliminate colonies and prevent future infestations. Our team uses advanced techniques, including targeted bait applications and environmentally responsible products, to deliver safe and effective results. Here’s why DFW homeowners trust us:

Free Fire Ant Inspections and Estimates: We start with a thorough assessment of your property to identify the extent of the infestation and develop a customized treatment plan.
Experienced Technicians: Our skilled professionals are trained in the latest fire ant control methods, ensuring efficient and lasting solutions.
Serving the Greater DFW Metroplex: From Dallas to Fort Worth and beyond, we provide comprehensive pest control services to keep your home and yard protected.
Customer Satisfaction: At Prize Pest Control, your peace of mind is our priority. We work diligently to deliver results you can count on.

Take Action Against Fire Ants Today

Do not let fire ants take over your lawn or outdoor spaces. If you’re dealing with a fire ant problem in the Dallas Fort Worth area, contact Prize Pest Control for a free fire ant inspection and estimate. Our team is ready to help you reclaim your property from these invasive pests. Call us anytime at (469) 780-4602 to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a fire ant-free home.