Recent weather pattern leading to invasion of fire ants

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fire ants are invading homes, churches and yards all over Charlotte.

Pest control companies said their phones have been ringing off the hook for days.

"With the increase in rain and kind of the delay in the high temperatures, fire ants are really starting to make their mark in the last three days," said Fred Wingate with Noose Pest Management.

Wingate said he has had a lot of calls from homes and businesses trying to get rid of the fire ants that are spreading fast.

"The queens can lay up to one million eggs in a lifetime. They reproduce quickly.  They are very good at hitchhiking on different things, so that's why they cause such a problem," Wingate said.

The ants can cause problems for landscape equipment and damage to turf, but the main concern is keeping people safe.

"They actually bite to adhere themselves to your skin, so then they can insert their stinger in and inject their venom. So, it's kind of a two-part process," Wingate said.

The stings can lead to allergic reactions and sometimes even infections.

As fire ants start to invade the area, experts urge residents to keep the grass cut low and be on the lookout for new mounds developing in the yard.

Some places are more prone than others.

"The ants tend to build mounds along curbs, like this one where the moisture source is higher," Wingate said.

Fire ants sprays can help with the smaller mounds, but if they multiply, call a professional.

Fire ants are actually attracted to salty foods and oils.  They will travel into houses to get the food items and take them back to the queen.

Pest control companies will use ground-up potato chips laced with pesticide as a way to destroy the colony.

WSOC