Plano families love spending time outdoors. They might take their kids to their weekend soccer practice, walk their dog at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, or just relax along Legacy Drive. However, in Collin County, the greenery hides a dangerous truth: the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA).
Fire ants are scarier than the regular black ones you often see. Their stings are particularly painful and even lead to serious allergic reactions in children and pets. These fire ant mounds can pop up overnight in yards and park grass. That is why it is important to be alert.
Before your next family barbecue or walk in the park, make sure that your property is protected from this painful risk. Get saelapest.com for specialized fire ant protection and peace of mind.
Where To Watch Out For Fire Ants In Plano
If you think fire ant mounds are only found in messy areas, think again. These can appear even in well-maintained spaces, particularly after rain or when irrigation is used.
When you are looking for these mounds in Plano, keep an eye out for large and open grass sections in local parks and playgrounds. For example, the edges of fields at Oak Point Park are rarely disturbed.
Fire ant mounds are also common in residential lawns. They can thrive anywhere sprinklers are used or the sun warms the grass. You will find them near sidewalks or driveways where the concrete traps heat.
Finally, it is important to be extra vigilant in dog parks and greenbelts. These areas see heavy traffic from pets. As a result, the disruption of the soil from running and digging can instantly trigger a massive swarm response from a hidden colony.
Who Is At Risk?
When it comes to fire ants, children and pets are most likely to step directly on a mound. This is because they are low to the ground and do not see the danger.
For pets, dogs and cats often step on mounds with their paws or noses, resulting in many painful stings. The reaction can include swelling, limping, or panic.
A child playing near a mound can be attacked by ants and covered by them. This can lead to dozens of simultaneous stings and the rapid development of painful blisters.
What To Do If A Sting Occurs
Since Plano is full of green, lush places and a lot of fire ants, it is important to understand the right action to take if you, your child, or your pet gets stung. Follow these few easy steps:
Step 1: Remove the ants immediately.
The first step is removing the ants from the skin. You can easily do that using a piece of cloth or your open hand. However, remember not to rub them on the skin while doing so. This can cause them to sting more.
Step 2: Apply something cold.
Fire ant stings can be painful and cause a lot of swelling. To manage these symptoms, you can apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area.
Step 3: Monitor for severe reaction.
Once you have done the above steps, keep a close watch for signs of a severe reaction. These include trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and dizziness. If these occur, seek emergency medical attention right away.
Protect Your Family From Plano Fire Ants Today!
Keeping fire ants away from your Plano property is not the easiest thing to do. It requires an entire yard treatment that wipes out the whole colony. Just destroying the one mound that you saw is not enough.
Saela Pest Control is the dedicated pest management partner for homeowners throughout Plano and Collin County. Their expert technicians know the North Texas clay soil and fire ant habits, making sure their family-safe treatments give you lasting protection. Schedule your Saela Pest Control appointment today!
