If you’ve spotted angry red mounds in your Jacksonville yard, chances are you’re dealing with fire ants. These aggressive invaders aren’t just a nuisance—they can pose serious risks to children, pets, and your lawn’s health.
Here’s how to identify, control, and prevent fire ant infestations so you can reclaim your outdoor space.
How to Identify Fire Ants and Their Mounds
Fire ants build dome-shaped mounds that can pop up seemingly overnight. Unlike other ant species, their nests don’t have visible openings on top. Look for:
- Mounds 6–18 inches wide, often in sunny areas
- Swarming red to reddish-brown ants when disturbed
- Painful stings that burn and may cause welts or allergic reactions
In Jacksonville’s warm, humid climate, fire ants thrive—especially after rain. Their colonies can spread quickly without early intervention.
Why Fire Ants Are a Serious Lawn Pest
Fire ants aren’t just annoying—they’re destructive. Here’s what makes them a major threat:
- Stings: Fire ants attack in swarms, delivering painful stings that are dangerous to kids, pets, and even adults with allergies.
- Lawn Damage: Mounds disrupt root systems, making your grass patchy and unhealthy.
- Equipment Hazards: Fire ants can nest in electrical boxes, A/C units, and irrigation systems, causing costly damage.
Fire Ant Prevention Tips You Can Use Today
Keep your lawn less inviting to fire ants with these simple prevention steps:
- Remove piles of wood, debris, or compost from the yard.
- Keep the lawn mowed and well-maintained.
- Water properly—fire ants often seek dry, sunny areas to nest.
Schedule regular lawn pest inspections with a trusted local expert.
Top Fire Ant Control Solutions for Jacksonville Lawns
Fire ant control isn’t a one-time fix. It requires a multi-step approach that includes both treatment and prevention. At Royal Pest Services, we recommend:
- Professional Baiting Treatments: Our team uses industry-approved baits that fire ants carry back to the colony, eliminating it at the source.
- Mound Spot Treatments: For heavy infestations, targeted insecticides may be applied directly to mounds.
- Seasonal Lawn Pest Plans: We offer year-round programs designed for Jacksonville lawns, targeting fire ants and other common pests.
DIY products from the store often fail to kill the queen, allowing colonies to regroup. Our licensed technicians know how to apply the right solution at the right time.
Take Back Your Lawn from Fire Ants
Don’t let fire ants ruin your outdoor fun. Royal Pest Services has helped Jacksonville homeowners protect their lawns for over 30 years. We understand the local environment and offer proven, family-safe fire ant control solutions that work.
Let us help you enjoy a healthier, pest-free yard—without the bites.