Home remedies can’t totally eradicate fortress-like fire ant mounds, experts say.
Alabama Living
Upon seizing you in its jaws, the fire ant is locked and loaded. It then punctures you with the infamous stinger and injects venom. “It is the venom that causes the pain,” warns Fredericks. Swollen red bumps on a person’s skin are not from the bite; it’s the body’s reaction to injected poison. “The best defense is to brush them off of you as fast as you can,” adds Gates. “Fire ants respond to vibration. Slapping at them, it triggers attack mode.” There are several home remedies for eliminating ant beds, though most don’t work. One popular solution suggests pouring grits on the mound. In theory ants eat it and their little tummies explode. Unfortunately, if any ant tummies do explode it’s from laughter as they play in the grits rain. Another “cure” is to pour gasoline on the nest. It may kill a few ants but the rest will smell the fumes and escape to start a new colony. In the meantime you’ve ruined your yard and possibly contaminated the water table. Experts agree the best treatment for heavy infestations is from professionals. Most homeowners concentrate on destroying the 8- to 12-inch tall anthill, not thinking of the thousands bunkered below. “Kicking the mound never works,” says Gates. As the sun sets today in Alabama, fire ants settle in for the night. Baby larvae are tucked in, workers rest, and guards make shift change. The battle continues tomorrow. A
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