Fire Ants in Winter: What Manatee County Homeowners Need to Know
Many homeowners assume that fire ants go dormant in winter, but in Manatee County, the mild climate allows these pests to remain active year-round. Even during cooler months, fire ants can continue to damage lawns, bite pets, and pose a risk to your family.
Why Fire Ants Stay Active in Florida Winters
Unlike northern states where cold temperatures halt ant activity, Manatee County experiences mild winter days that allow fire ants to forage and maintain their colonies. Fire ants may become slightly less active in cooler nights, but they never fully disappear.
How Fire Ants Affect Your Lawn
Fire ants cause several problems for your turf:
Mound formation: Large mounds can disrupt mowing and landscaping
Root damage: Ant tunnels can destabilize soil and damage grass roots
Soil disruption: Loose soil around mounds makes lawns uneven and weak
Bites: Fire ants bite aggressively, making your yard unsafe for pets and children
Even a small infestation can quickly spread if left untreated.
Signs of Winter Fire Ant Activity
Visible mounds, often in sunny areas
Increased ant traffic during warm midday hours
Damage to grass surrounding mounds
Disturbed soil or tiny tunnels in the lawn
Early detection and treatment are key to preventing larger infestations.
Winter Fire Ant Prevention & Treatment
At Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control, we provide year-round fire ant management tailored to Manatee County conditions:
Targeted mound treatments that eliminate colonies
Preventative applications to stop new mounds from forming
Integrated lawn care strategies to reduce pest-friendly conditions
With professional treatment, you can enjoy a safe, pest-free lawn even in winter.
Protect Your Manatee County Lawn Today
Don’t let winter fire ants disrupt your yard. Trust Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control to keep your lawn safe, healthy, and enjoyable all year.
📍 Serving Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and surrounding areas
📞 Call Westfall’s today to schedule fire ant control services!