When walking in an area that may have fire ants, watch where you place your feet. Take caution when sightseeing, taking photos, sleeping on the ground when camping, or sitting around camp fires.
Even standing near a fire ant hill may put you at risk since ants can be on the ground near the mound.
Try kicking it with your foot to see if you disturb any ants. Wear gloves as you lift it slowly to see if there are ants beneath the item.
Legs are more likely to get stung if you step in a mound. If you are touching things on the ground near fire ants, wear long sleeved shirts or gloves.
Sprinkle bait around in both the spring and the fall.
Watch very closely where you place strollers, wagons, or baby carriers. If you place them next to a fire ant mound or an area with fire ants, the ants may get on the baby.
Fire ant mounds don’t have holes in the top that they crawl in and out of. They get into the mound from underground.
You are more likely to run across fire ants or fire ant mounds if you are outdoors in the southeastern United States. They live in milder climates with consistent humidity levels. [14] X Research source Fire ants are also found in the western and southwestern US, but they are not as common.
Identifying fire ant mounds in the area can keep you safe. Even if you can’t find a mound, knowing there are fire ants around can help you be more vigilant and watch where you are stepping or touching. Look around stumps, trees, or rotting logs for fire ant mounds. You may also find them around picnic sites, garbage cans, or even on the side of the road. [16] X Research source
