If you’ve ever lived in the south, you’ve probably had an ant problem at least once in your life. You clean and clean, but one thing left out and the tiniest lapse in your attention span and they’re back. Everything from red ants, to black ants, to fire ants. And in the sunshine state it’s honestly no better. In fact, it’s probably a little worse! So today we’re going to talk about Florida’s ant problem, the species you can find down here, and some basic North Florida Ant control.
North Florida Ant Control: Why are ants so bad in Florida?
Down here in Florida, you’ll see that we have no shortage of bugs. The biggest factor that has lead to this is simply our climate. You see, human beings aren’t the only living things that love warm sun, sand, and beaches. In fact, when I was a young man Florida genuinely was not this hot. You would get frost on the ground and some on your car in the mornings in winter. These days, you’ll have maybe one or two days a year even approach freezing. Now, what does that mean in terms of North Florida ant control?
Well, simply put, most bug populations either stagnate or die back in the cold. But now that “cold” never really happens in Florida anymore, these populations are free to grow endlessly. And that goes for ants, roaches, mosquitoes, and any other pest insect you’ll find in Florida.
Another reason you’ll find the state inundated with so many insects is the sheer number of people. Mind you I’m not talking about things like outdoor insects and pollinators, I specifically mean insects of the pest variety. The fact of the matter is that in a state with over twenty million humans in it, you’re going to find tons of pests that love to live off of human waste. And Florida is a big tourism stop in the U.S., so there’s plenty of dumpsters full of refuse from restaurants, hotels, and motels for these bugs to get a solid foothold in before spreading outward.
North Florida Ant Control: Where did all these ants come from?
Now I told you how so many different spices of ant can survive in the sunshine state. But how did they get here in the first place? Well, the best example is probably the worst ant you’ll find infesting American homes today. And that’s the story of the fire ant. Their story is one that’s similar to many invasive species in the state today. Florida isn’t just a large center for tourism, but commerce as well. You’ll see ports all up and down the coast full of boats from every corner of the world. And it only takes one errant queen from some certain tropical species or another for them to become established in an environment as friendly to them as Florida’s.
How did red imported fire ants get to Florida?
Forget about North Florida ant control, the whole world needs fire ant control. Fire ants are one of the worst invasive species in the world, and tend to set up camp in any tropical or even mild climate they land in. In fact, some scientists believe the ants are the most expert creature in the world at exploiting areas of human disturbance, as healthy ecosystems are harder for them to break into.
And in a rare moment of “it wasn’t me this time” Florida wasn’t the first state to see the spread of fire ants. They were actually introduced through the seaport of Mobile, Alabama by cargo ship between ninety thirty three and forty five. It was only nine to twenty unrelated queens that arrived at the time, but the population exploded by the fifties.
Since arriving, these ants have run rampant in the United States. They can be found from Florida, to Mexico, to Tennessee and most places in between. As of two thousand and four, the ant has been found in thirteen states and occupies over a hundred million acres of land in the united states. As many as four hundred ant mounds have been found in single acres as well. The US department of agriculture keeps a track on these ants as well, and it’s estimated that they expand roughly a hundred and twenty miles Westward every single year since introduction. And with no South American or Native competition, these ants have become dominant in most states that they enter. If you live in the south, you’re more likely to see a fire ant than anything native. Even the bugs in Florida aren’t from here these days!
North Florida Ant Control: What to do if you have an ant infestation?
Ants are a peculiar bug when it comes to home invasions. Because of their reproductive cycles, small size, and willingness to live just about anywhere, once they’re established in your home, you’re going to need professional help. But these bugs are also very much in the camp of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Now mind you, there’s plenty of ways you can end up with a fire ant infestation through no fault of your own. Heck, they may just ride in on a raft during a storm that they’ve made out of their own bodies!
But ants, especially fire ants, are attracted to food scraps and filth. If you live in an area where ant infestations are common, the first thing you’re going to have to do is change your cleaning habits. The biggest tip I can give is to never leave dirty dishes in the sink, and always use covered trashcans with lids that lock together tightly. On top of that, make sure they can’t get into your home in the first place. Make sure seals around your home are still in good shape, and fill any holes to the outdoors that those ants may try and climb into.
But as I said above, a true infestation is nothing for a layman to deal with. If you’d like a free consultation, visit us at insectfree.com or give us a call at 1-800-634-1313.
