Florida’s long summers don’t just bring heat and humidity; they also mark the peak season for fire ant activity. If you’ve noticed more mounds appearing in your yard this time of year, you’re not imagining it. Late summer is when colonies expand rapidly, making September one of the most effective times to target them with professional treatments.
In this guide, we’ll explain why fire ant colonies surge in late summer, how treatments work to break their lifecycle, and the risks untreated infestations pose to families, pets, and lawns.
Why Fire Ant Colonies Expand in Late Summer
Fire ants thrive in Tampa’s subtropical climate. Warm soil and summer rains create the perfect environment for their colonies to spread. By late summer:
- Colonies expand to build new mounds, increasing the number of nests on your property.
- Breeding cycles peak, meaning more ants are produced and spread further across the yard.
- Moisture-rich soil from rainstorms softens the ground, making it easier for ants to tunnel.
This activity makes late summer the most critical time for targeted fire ant control in Tampa.
How Treatments Break the Fire Ant Lifecycle
Simply knocking down visible mounds won’t solve the problem; fire ants rebuild quickly. Professional treatments go deeper by disrupting the entire colony:
- Baits & granules spread across lawns are carried back to the queen, eliminating the source of the colony.
- Barrier sprays form a protective zone around lawns, patios, and play areas to reduce reinfestation.
- Lifecycle interruption ensures that even emerging ants are targeted, preventing colonies from bouncing back.
By treating in September, you break the breeding cycle before colonies prepare for fall, ensuring fewer outbreaks later.
Risks to Pets, Children, and Lawns
Ignoring fire ant activity can create more than just an eyesore.
- Pet safety: Fire ants deliver painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in dogs and cats.
- Child safety: Kids playing outside are at high risk of being bitten if they step on or near a mound.
- Lawn damage: Large colonies disturb soil structure, dry out grass, and create uneven surfaces that weaken your turf.
This is why integrated pest control in Tampa must include year-round fire ant prevention.
FAQs: Fire Ant Control in Late Summer
Q: Can I just treat one mound at a time?
A: Spot-treating may temporarily reduce activity, but it doesn’t eliminate the queen or hidden colonies. A yard-wide approach is more effective.
Q: How quickly does treatment work?
A: Most professional solutions take a few days to spread through the colony, but results typically last for months.
Q: Do fire ants die off in cooler months?
A: Fire ants may slow down, but they don’t disappear. Treating in late summer prevents them from establishing stronger colonies in fall and winter.
Don’t Let Fire Ants Take Over This Fall
Fire ants don’t take time off, and neither should your prevention plan. September is the perfect time to stop colonies in their tracks, protect your family, and keep your lawn healthy.
Schedule your late-summer fire ant treatment with PHS Lawn today and enjoy a safer, ant-free yard.