Fire Ants and Football Season: How to Keep Your Tailgate Sting-Free

Short answer: Fire ants love the same sunny, grassy spots you pick for a tailgate. Spend 30 seconds scanning the ground before you set up, keep chairs and tents off any mound, and keep an eye on the kids and the dog. A disturbed mound empties out fast.

Saturdays in the fall around here mean a tent, a grill, some folding chairs, and a patch of grass. Fire ants like that same patch. They build in open, sunny ground, they love the edges of parking lots and lawns, and a good rain can raise a new mound overnight.

Why tailgates are prime territory

Fire ants nest in sunny, open soil, and a lot of tailgate lots, church fields, and backyards are exactly that. You may not see a big mound, either. After rain, or in loose soil, the mound can look like a low pile of fresh dirt with no obvious hole.

The 30-second ground check

• Walk the spot before you unfold anything and look for dirt piles or crumbly, fresh soil
• Look at the edges of the lot, fence lines, and around trees and light poles
• Set up the table, grill, and chairs a few feet away from any mound you find
• Do NOT stomp or kick a mound to "see what happens." The ants come up fast
• Point it out to the kids so they know where not to play

If someone gets stung

Fire ants sting, and often a lot of them at once. Move away from the mound, brush the ants off, and wash the area with soap and water. A cold pack helps with the burning, and try not to pop the little blisters that form later. Call 911 right away if there is trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or the person has had a bad reaction before.

What about your own yard?

If you are hosting a watch party at home, do the same walk across your lawn first. Mounds in the yard tend to come back, and we explain why in why fire ant mounds keep coming back. If you want a longer-term fix, our fire ant control treats the mounds and the yard so you are not checking the grass every game day.

Want your yard ready for game day?

We will find the mounds and help you get your lawn back. Call or text us at (205) 855-7975.

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Why are there fire ants where we tailgate?

Fire ants build in open, sunny soil, which is just what lots, fields, and lawns offer. Rain can also raise a new mound quickly.

What should I do first if I get a fire ant sting?

Move away from the mound, brush the ants off, and wash the area with soap and water. Use a cold pack, and avoid popping any blisters.

When should a fire ant sting go to the emergency room?

Call 911 if there is trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or a history of severe reactions.