Fire Ant Infestation in Georgia Lawns: What Homeowners Should Know

Fire ants can ruin your yard and hurt your family.

If you live in Georgia, you’ve likely seen these tiny red insects building mounds in your grass. They may look small, but they can cause big problems. This article will explain what fire ants are, why they’re dangerous, and what you can do to get rid of them.

What Are Fire Ants?

Fire ants are small red or reddish-brown insects.

They live in big groups called colonies. These ants build dirt mounds in yards, parks, and fields. You can often see their nests as piles of soil that don’t have holes in the middle.

Why Are They Called Fire Ants?

They got their name because of their painful sting.

When they bite and sting, it feels like a burning fire. Some people even get red, swollen spots that last for days. In bad cases, a person may have a serious allergic reaction.

Why Are Fire Ants a Problem in Georgia?

Georgia has the perfect weather for fire ants.

It’s warm and humid, which helps them grow fast and spread. These ants are not from Georgia originally. They came from South America many years ago and have spread all over the southern United States.

Where Do They Like to Build Mounds?

Lawns and gardens
Near sidewalks and driveways
Around trees and plants
In playgrounds or parks

They don’t like cold or shady places, so sunny lawns are perfect for them.

What Do Fire Ants Do to Your Yard?

Fire ants do more than just sting. They can harm your lawn, your pets, and even your house.

1. Hurt People and Pets

Fire ants will sting if you step on their mound.
They attack in groups, so you can get many stings at once.
Kids and pets who play outside are most at risk.

2. Damage Grass and Plants

Their digging makes soil dry and roots weak.
Grass can turn yellow and die around the mounds.
They sometimes chew on young plants.

3. Damage Electrical Systems

Fire ants can crawl into air conditioners, wires, or outlets.
They chew on wires and cause short circuits.
Repairs can be costly.

How to Tell If You Have Fire Ants

Look for signs like mounds or stings.
Here are some ways to check if you have a fire ant problem:

Signs of Fire Ants in Your Yard

Soil Mounds: Dome-shaped piles of dirt with no hole on top.
Ant Trails: A steady line of ants moving in and out of the ground.
Ant Activity: Ants appear quickly when you disturb the mound.
Stings: Painful bumps that feel like burning.

Try poking the mound gently with a stick. If ants rush out fast, you’ve found fire ants.

How to Get Rid of Fire Ants in Georgia Lawns

You can use baits, sprays, or call a pest control expert.

Let’s break it down simply.

1. Baits

Best for big yards with many mounds.
Works slowly but kills the whole colony.
You sprinkle it around the yard, not just on the mound.

2. Direct Mound Treatments

Works fast and kills ants you can see.
Won’t stop new mounds from popping up.
Best for small problems or a few mounds.

3. Natural Methods

Boiling water (can burn plants, though)
Diatomaceous earth (powder that cuts ant bodies)
Citrus oil or vinegar (not always strong enough)

These might not work well if the ants are deep underground.

4. Professional Pest Control

They have stronger products that last longer.
Can treat the whole yard safely.
Good choice for big or old infestations.

Tips to Prevent Fire Ants from Coming Back

Fire ants can return if you don’t stay alert.

Mow your lawn regularly.
Keep trash and food away from your yard.
Fix leaky water pipes or hoses.
Use bait twice a year—spring and fall.
Seal cracks around your house.

Also, watch your yard after heavy rain. Fire ants like to move around when the ground is wet.

What to Do If You Get Stung

Act fast to reduce the pain and swelling.

Here’s a simple guide:

Move away from the ant mound right away.
Wash the stung area with soap and water.
Put ice on it to stop swelling.
Use a cream for itching or pain.
If you have trouble breathing or feel sick, go to a doctor fast.

Fire Ants and Your Pets

Dogs and cats can also get stung.

They may step on a mound or lay near one without knowing.

Signs your pet may have been stung:

Limping or licking paws
Swollen skin or red bumps
Crying or hiding

Call your vet if the reaction looks serious.

A Real Example from Georgia

Mr. Johnson, a homeowner in Macon, Georgia, noticed dirt mounds all over his backyard.

He tried using sprays, but the ants kept coming back. Then he used bait across his whole yard in spring and again in fall. Within two months, the ants were gone. He now treats his yard every 6 months and hasn’t had a problem in 2 years.

Conclusion

Fire ants are more than just annoying bugs. They can hurt your family, pets, and lawn. If you live in Georgia, it’s important to check for mounds and treat them fast. Use baits, direct treatments, or call an expert if needed. And remember—keeping your yard clean and treated is the best way to stop fire ants from coming back.

Take action today—don’t let fire ants take over your lawn.
Keep your yard safe, healthy, and fun for everyone.

Need help fast? Visit 24HoursPestControl.com for expert fire ant control and same-day service across Georgia!