Fire ants in Georgia don't take a winter break. Learn how to keep them at bay!
When you think of fire ants, you likely picture sweltering summer days with mounds dotting your yard. However, in Georgia's mild climate, fire ants remain active all year—even during winter. While their activity level may decrease, these resilient pests don't disappear entirely. Understanding their winter behavior and implementing effective control measures can save you from a fire ant invasion when spring arrives.
Fire Ants and Winter: What You Need to Know
Why Don't Fire Ants Overwinter?
Unlike other pests that go dormant during the colder months, fire ants are uniquely equipped to survive winter. These colonies, typically located underground, dig deeper as temperatures drop to access warmer soil layers. While their activity above ground lessens, they remain alive and thriving beneath your feet. Worker ants continue to protect and sustain the queen, ensuring the colony's survival.
Winter Behavior of Fire Ant Colonies
Although colonies may shrink during winter due to reduced food availability, they're far from inactive. On unseasonably warm winter days—common in Georgia—you might notice fresh mounds appearing in your yard, especially after rainfall. These warm spells trigger the ants to resurface, creating new tunnels and maintaining their colonies.
The Importance of Year-Round Fire Ant Control in Georgia
Why Winter Treatment Matters
Fire ants are opportunistic pests. Even during winter, they maintain colonies that can expand rapidly when temperatures rise in spring. If left untreated, these colonies will multiply, leading to extensive yard damage and increased risks for painful bites.
Preemptive treatment, especially before soil temperatures consistently reach 70°F in spring, ensures you stay ahead of the problem. Applying a granule like TopChoice once annually during winter months is one of the most effective ways to prevent fire ant infestations.
TopChoice: Your Best Defense Against Fire Ants
TopChoice, a granular bait specifically designed for fire ant control, offers long-lasting protection. Applied in late winter or early spring, it works by targeting ants as they forage, eradicating entire colonies over time. Here's why it's the top choice for Georgia homeowners:
Year-Round Protection: A single application lasts for up to 12 months, providing peace of mind throughout the year.
Granular Efficiency: TopChoice's formula penetrates the soil, reaching ants deep in their underground colonies.
Safe and Easy Application: Applied to your lawn, it's safe for pets and children once watered into the soil.
DIY Fire Ant Prevention Tips for Georgia Homeowners
While professional treatments like TopChoice offer the most reliable results, there are additional steps you can take to keep fire ants at bay:
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
Regularly aerate your lawn to improve drainage and reduce excess moisture, which attracts fire ants.
Remove debris like wood piles or leaves that provide shelter.
Monitor for Mounds
During warm winter days, inspect your yard for new mounds, especially after rainfall.
Dismantling mounds early prevents colonies from establishing dominance.
Use Bait Stations
For smaller infestations, bait stations placed strategically around your property can help control ant activity.
Why Fire Ants Thrive in Georgia's Climate
Georgia's mild winters and frequent temperature fluctuations create ideal conditions for fire ant survival. The combination of warm spells and occasional rain encourages ants to resurface and rebuild their colonies. Unlike colder regions where fire ants may struggle to survive, Georgia's climate ensures they remain a year-round nuisance.
When to Call the Professionals
While DIY methods can be effective for minor infestations, severe fire ant problems often require professional pest control services. Experts like BREDA Pest Management have the tools and expertise to eliminate fire ants at the source.
The BREDA Difference:
Comprehensive Inspections: Identify problem areas and potential breeding grounds.
Customized Treatments: Tailored solutions using products like TopChoice to target and eradicate colonies.
Long-Term Protection: Annual maintenance programs to keep your lawn fire ant-free.
The Risks of Ignoring Fire Ant Control
Fire ants are more than just a nuisance; their painful bites can pose serious risks to people and pets. Left unchecked, their colonies can:
Damage lawns and landscaping.
Invade homes during extreme weather.
Harm humans, livestock, or wildlife on your property.
Preventative measures during winter are critical to avoiding these issues when spring arrives.
Stay Ahead of Fire Ants This Winter
Fire ants don't take the winter off, and neither should your pest control efforts. By understanding their behavior, taking proactive measures, and using proven solutions like TopChoice, Georgia homeowners can protect their yards from these persistent pests. Don't wait until spring to address fire ants—start your treatment plan now for a worry-free year.
If you're tired of wondering what the pests in or around your home are doing and just want them gone, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to protect your home and keep it protected—no matter the circumstances. Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
