Why The Fire Ants In Orlando Are A Big Problem

Why The Fire Ants In Orlando Are A Big Problem

Fire ants are a big problem everywhere they live in the world, Orlando isn't special in this regard. These ants get into crop fields and feed on crops. They come onto farms and attack livestock. And they come into residential yards and attack people. The wounds they inflict cause a burning sensation. This is what has earned them the name “fire” ant. While we call these wounds bites, they are actually stings. This is important to understand because stinging insects inject venom and it is possible to have an allergic reaction to insect venom.

What can you expect from fire ants?

Continue Reading Read Less

Why Choose Green Flag Services?

  • Locally Owned & Operated
    We are part of your community and take pride in caring for the residents and businesses of Central Florida.
  • 65+ Years of Combined
    Industry Experience
    Our seasoned professionals bring unparalleled expertise to every pest control solution.
  • Customer First Mindset
    We stand behind our work. If you're unsatisfied for any reason or have an issue with pests again, give us a call and we'll make it right!
  • Fully Trained & Certified Team
    We are members of the National Pest Management Association and Florida Pest Management Association with over 55 years of industry experience.
  • Pest Control Solutions
    The green in "Green Flag" is to assure our customers that we only use environmentally-safe products for the safety of your family and pets.
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed
    Your satisfaction matters to us, which is why we offer a money-back and a reservice guarantee.

How bad is a fire ant sting?

You'll rarely get just one fire ant sting. These ants swarm together and sting multiple times. This will result in multiple wounds. Most fire ant wounds will be a red, inflamed mound with a white pustule at the center. While unpleasant, most Floridians are tough, and we tend to brush off these encounters. But there are certain circumstances where things can get serious.

  • An allergic reaction to fire ant venom can cause anaphylaxis. If you experience a swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or flu-like symptoms, seek a physician as quickly as possible. Anaphylaxis can be deadly. Some people are prone to this response, so they carry an EpiPen for emergencies. But insect allergies don't just plague a small portion of our population. Anyone can develop an allergy to insect venom, and this allergy can appear later in life. You should always be cautious around any stinging insect.
  • Babies are uniquely threatened by fire ants. When fire ants attack infants, they're not able to get away from them.
  • Keep this in mind if you hear a baby crying outside while seated in a car carrier on the ground.
  • Fire ant wounds are painful at first, but become itchy afterward. The itching feeling can last for several days and even more than a week. If kids get stung by fire ants, they tend to scratch the wounds more readily. This can cause open wounds that may become infected.
  • Fire ant wounds can cause swelling. If swelling is severe, medical treatment may need to be sought.

The Bigger Problem

Fire ants can be driven into your home. When we get heavy rains, it can cause ground saturation or flood conditions. This can make fire ants leave their nests and seek higher ground. Sometimes, higher ground is the interior of Orlando homes. We strongly recommend taking the time to seal as many entry points as you can find in your exterior.

  • Seal cracks in your foundation.
  • Seal gaps around exterior wall penetrations.
  • Replace damaged screens, weatherstripping, and door sweeps.
  • Fill in holes created by wood-destroying pests.

The Biggest Problem

While it is definitely bad to have stinging insects in your yard or have them getting into your Orlando home, there is an even bigger problem to consider. They can be difficult to exterminate, especially if you use incorrect products or methods. Why?

  • Fire ants mounds aren't easily treated. The tunnels can go down ten feet into the ground.
  • Fire ants create foraging tunnels on the surface. These tunnels can go twenty feet in all directions. If you treat a mound, fire ants can easily escape.
  • Fire ant colonies have multiple queens. If you attack a colony mound, you can actually make your problem worse. This can cause budding. So, instead of one frustrating colony to deal with, you'll have two or more.
Where We Service
We proudly service the Central and South Florida area. Check out our full-service area now!

How To Deal With Fire Ants In Orlando

Remember that the team at Green Flag Services is always here to assist you with your pest control needs. Our licensed pest control professionals know what is required to locate and eliminate fire ants. Connect with us today and tell us about your pest control problem. We can help.

 Continue Reading Read Less

Hear From Our Happy Customers

At Green Flag Services, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.

    "Easily a 5 Star company"
    Geoff came out for time pest control service for our home. He is very thorough, confident, and knowledgeable about the pest control business. We will try Green Flag services out for a while and see ow things go. Hopefully, we have found our pest control co
    - Robert B.
    "Highly Recommend"
    Joshua not only has great customer service but with my continued service my pest are basically gone. If you are looking to get rid of your Pest at a reasonable price that really works I recommend Green Flag Services.
    - Jessica S.
    "Trustworthy & Reliable"
    I highly recommend this company for your pest control needs. They are always reliable and consistent. All of the technicians that have serviced my house have been thorough and very professional. I get the exterior of my house done and have never had any pr
    - Michelle P.
    "Thank you!"
    Great service, haven't seen any roaches since our house was treated. Andrew was both kind and punctual.
    - Spencer P.
    "Couldn’t Be Happier"
    I've had Green Flag now for nine months. I've dealt with four people, one in the office and three technicians. Every one of them has been great! I couldn't recommend a better company to use.
    - Scott Z.
    "Thank you Joshua!"
    Joshua was awesome and provided great customer service. Very knowledgeable, on time, and nice guy to talk to.
    - Lauren H.
    "I’m glad I called"
    Showed up on time. Took time to ask what specific issues I needed taken care of and found a few more that needed attention. Also treated outside, ant hills and 2 wasps nests.
    - Cecil S.
    "Wonderful People"
    My call was promptly returned and service was scheduled. Good communication with service professional who arrived as scheduled. Very polite, professional service. Let’s see if any bugs feel the same way!
    - Stephanie P.

Contact Green Flag Services Today!

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please lookup your address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy