🔥 Fire Ant Frenzy: Why Summer Makes Them Meaner (and How to Kick Them Out)
By Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control
Welcome to summer in Florida, where the sun is hot, the humidity is higher than your AC bill, and fire ants are ready to ruin your backyard BBQ faster than you can say “potato salad.” 🐜🔥
If you live in Sarasota or Manatee County, you probably already know these little pests aren’t just annoying, they’re aggressive, they bite, they sting, and they don’t care that you just spent good money on lawn furniture.
Let’s break down why fire ants are worse in the summer, how to spot the invasion early, and what Westfall’s can do to send them packing (without you having to become a backyard ninja with a can of bug spray).
🐜 Why Summer is Fire Ant Season
It’s not your imagination fire ants really do get worse in the summer. Here’s why:
They love the heat. While you’re running for shade, fire ants are thriving in the Florida sun, multiplying faster than sand at Siesta Key.
Summer storms = soft soil. Rain loosens the ground, making it easier for ants to build their mounds and build them they do. Like tiny angry architects.
More food, more parties. Ants are scavengers. Summer brings BBQs, picnics, and dropped ice cream cones. It’s basically Fire Ant Buffet Season.
So if you think you're the only one enjoying summer in Florida, think again your lawn is hosting an uninvited insect rave.
🚨 Warning Signs You’ve Got a Fire Ant Problem
How do you know the fire ants have moved in? Here’s what to watch for:
Mounds of dirt that pop up overnight usually dome-shaped, loose soil, no visible entrance (they're sneaky like that).
Stinging pain on your ankles followed by a burning sensation and a few choice words yelled across your yard.
Pets acting weird if your dog starts avoiding certain spots or your cat launches into full ninja mode mid-yard, it might be more than just squirrels.
🛑 Fire Ant Safety Tips
We get it. You see a mound, you want revenge. But before you go poking it with a stick (please don’t), remember:
DO NOT disturb the mound. Fire ants will defend their turf like tiny gladiators. And they don’t fight fair, they bite and sting at the same time.
Keep pets and kids away. Fire ant stings can cause allergic reactions, especially in sensitive folks or curious pups who think ant mounds are toys.
Skip the DIY disasters. Pouring gasoline or club soda on a mound is more likely to kill your grass and maybe your eyebrows—than the ants.
🧪 The Westfall’s Way to Fire Ant Freedom
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to live in fear of your lawn.
At Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control, we offer professional fire ant treatments specifically designed for Florida lawns in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Our treatments:
💥 Target the entire colony not just the ants you see.
🌿 Are safe for pets, kids, and barefoot summer strolls.
🕐 Work fast and offer long-term protection (up to 6 months or more with our fire ant programs).
Whether you're dealing with a few mounds or a full-on turf takeover, our team will customize a plan to reclaim your yard, so you can enjoy summer without a side of stings.
📞 Ready to Evict Your Unwelcome Tenants?
Fire ants don’t pay rent. Don’t let them live in your lawn.
Call Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control today for a free quote or consultation. We’ve been keeping lawns safe, green, and fire-ant-free in Sarasota and Manatee for years so you can relax, grill, and maybe even go barefoot again (without screaming).