New Blog Location

We are excited to say that our blog is now part of our website.  To keep up with the latest blogs and news, visit our website at www.midgapestcontrol.com. 

 

Massive Wasps' Nest Found!

Most of us get a little uneasy if we find a wasp nest near our home. However, most of us will never encounter anything like the residents of San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands did this week.  After seeing a large number of wasp around an abandoned house, neighbors called the police.  When the homeowners could not be found, police entered the home, not knowing what they were about to find.  A 21 foot wasp nest covered in wasps was waiting on the inside.  Experts think this is an invasive species of wasp that migrated from Africa. 

 



Photos courtesy of www.odditycentral.com

Fire Ants!!!

Most of us in the South have had some kind of encounter with fire ants.  We learn quickly to recognize mounds and steer clear of them.  What makes these ants so different from other species?


photo courtesy of www.tn.gov

Many ant species bite and then spray acid on the wound.  This is where fire ants differ:  they bite only to get a good grip and anchor themselves into the skin.  Then they sting the victim from their abdomen and inject a toxic alkaloid venom.  Once stung, a person doesn't easily forget!  The sting of a fire ant is painful.  It can be compared to the feeling of being burned by fire, which has resulted in the name, "fire ant."  The site of the sting swells into a bump which turns into a white pustule.  This will flatten out on its own, but it can become infected if scratched.  Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids can help reduce the itching.  Some individuals are allergic to the venom and may require emergency treatment if stung.  Most stings occur when someone accidentally steps in or disturbs a mound.  The ants see this as an attack and aggressively react in large numbers to defend the colony.  This is why most people get multiple stings at a time.


photo courtesy of www.msucares.com

The Red Imported Fire Ant is found in much of the Southern and Southwestern United States.  It was accidentally introduced to the U.S. from South American cargo ships.  They nest in the soil and are often found near moist areas like river banks and highway shoulders.  Nests are built under objects such as logs or rocks.  However, when no cover is available for nesting, such as in yards, fields, and playgrounds, fire ants will build dome-shaped mounds from loose soil to cover the nest.  The FDA estimates that more than $5 billion is spent in the United States annually on medical treatment, damage, and control in areas infected with fire ants.  In addition to that, there is another $750 million in damage to agricultural assets, including crop and livestock loss, as well as veterinarian bills.

We recently treated almost 700 acres to control fire ants using Dupont Advion fire ant bait.  This works well for doing large broadcast treatments, as well as treating individual mounds.  This bait is effective on all life stages of fire ants and usually results in 100% control within five days or less.  Areas where Advion fire ant bait can be used is any non-crop or non-grazed area such as lawns, golf courses, or playgrounds.

To help rid your yard of fire ants, call us today and ask about our fire ant treatments.
Grayson office (770)962-4240
Griffin office (770)227-5161