Why are fire ants so active in the spring?
Fire ants are a year-round issue in warm climates like ours, but spring is when they really kick into high gear.
Cooler winter temps may drive them deeper underground, making them less active and harder to spot. But as soon as the weather warms up, they return to the surface, building mounds, expanding colonies, and foraging for food.
Here’s what you’ll see more of in spring:
- New mound building
- Increased foraging activity
- Rapid colony growth
- Swarming behavior and reproduction
They may not vanish in winter, but spring is when they become much more visible and more of a problem for homeowners.
How to spot fire ant mounds
Fire ant mounds are typically dome-shaped and can be up to 18 inches in diameter. While the size of the mound might vary depending on the age of the colony, there are some key characteristics to look for:
- Size and shape: Fire ant mounds are usually dome-shaped and can be several inches across. Unlike other ant nests, they don’t have visible entrances—the ants enter through underground tunnels.
- Where they nest: These ants love sunny, open areas like lawns, gardens, and even along sidewalks or driveways. Disturbed soil or patchy grass areas are prime real estate for fire ants.
- Signs of activity: If you see ants moving in and out, or the mound erupts with activity when disturbed, back away. Fire ants exhibit an extremely aggressive behavior when defending their nests and will swarm quickly.
Watch for fire ant mounds after rain
Regardless of the time of year, one of the easiest times to spot their mounds is right after it rains. Heavy rainfall floods their underground tunnels, so fire ants often rush to the surface to rebuild. Within a day or two, you might notice new mounds in spots that were clear before, especially in open, sunny areas of your yard.
Home and yard maintenance is key to preventing fire ant infestations
A clean yard doesn’t just look great—it helps keep fire ants away.
Here are some easy prevention tips:
- Mow regularly to reduce hiding spots
- Trim back trees and shrubs to limit shady areas
- Clear out leaf piles, grass clippings, and yard debris
- Fix any outdoor water leaks or overwatering issues
Fire ants need moisture to survive, so controlling water sources is key. Also, don’t forget to seal up gaps around doors, windows, and your foundation. Even a tiny crack is an open invitation.
Of course, even a spotless yard isn’t always enough. If fire ants show up anyway—or you want to stay a step ahead—Anti-Pesto is here to help.
Effective pest control for fire ants and other Tampa Bay pests
When it comes to fire ants, prevention and early detection are key to protecting your home and lawn. At Anti-Pesto, we offer year-round home pest control services to keep your home and yard free from fire ants and other common Tampa Bay pests. Our local team knows how these ants behave, where they hide, and how to eliminate them for good.
You don’t have to face the threat of painful stings alone—let Anti-Pesto handle it for you! Our expert team can assess your property, locate fire ant nests, and implement a customized plan to keep your yard and home pest-free all year!
Contact the local pest control experts at Anti-Pesto today
Spring is when fire ants are most visible and likely to cause trouble. Knowing how to spot their mounds early and keeping your yard in check can go a long way. But when they do show up, or better yet, before they show up, don’t go it alone.
Let Anti-Pesto handle it.
Serving Tampa, Largo, Riverview, and the Tampa Bay area, you can count on our local pest control experts to stay ahead of fire ants this spring!
