Although ants are typical in gardens, seeing them inside homes can be problematic. It is even worse when you discover that fire ants are slowly trying to overtake your lovely home. But do not fret! While getting rid of these ants can be difficult, there are ways to help you find the right solution to your problems.
There are several signs that the ants that you have in your home are fire ants. Experts say that are very small and have reddish to brownish colors in their bodies. They also tend to stay outside and as far away from people. But they can still come indoors, especially when they are foraging for food.
Why fire ants cause problems
What makes them quite notorious is their impact on the environment. Fire ants are very aggressive creatures. They can devour small insects, including lizards, birds and even mammals. They also affect the vegetation that is endemic in their natural habitats. Their voracious appetite for seeds can damage the ratio of grains that should be available to develop. Thus, affecting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
There are also cases when colonies of fire ants attack humans that come in close contact with their nest. Various reports of non-responsive residents such as infants and elderly individuals experiencing attacks from fire ants are increasing each year.
Fire ants have a potent venom that produces a burning sensation when inflicted. Once a single fire ant stings you, you will immediately feel pain around the area of the bite. You will also experience itching and swelling around the bite.
Soon, blisters filled with pus looking like pimples may appear within 20 minutes of the attack. These may stay on your skin for several days. Meanwhile, those who are allergic to the sting of fire ants may experience difficulty in breathing and swelling of the throat.
How a single kitchen ingredient can fight fire ants
Although it does not seem like it, the solution to your fire ant problem may be lying around in your kitchen. Wasabi, or otherwise known as Japanese horseradish, is a plant used to make a spicy green sauce. But aside from its culinary use, scientists found out that it is also an excellent way to keep fire ants at bay.
A team of scientists at the University of Hyogo led by Yoshiaki Hashimoto discovered that fire ants despise wasabi. Hashimoto and his team administered a series of experiments using fire ants to see what makes ants hate wasabi. The experiments showed that the protein called Allyl isothiocyanate keeps fire ants away. The results state that placing wasabi sheets on every cargo shipment is crucial to stop it from spreading.
As invasive creatures, finding out ways to control the spread of fire ants is crucial to the environment. That is why it is best to call an exterminator in Salt Lake City once you notice a few anthills in your lawn. Manage the problem as early as possible to prevent it from getting worse.
