Fire ants can ruin any outdoor lighting system
Every spring we cover this issue because every spring we confront this problem.
These pests are not native to the United States but were accidentally imported from South America in 1918 and introduced first in Mobile, Alabama. Since then they have spread to all the southeastern states and continue to trek west.
They are ruthless critters, invasive and destructive. If you have never encountered these tiny beasts, one of the most important things you should know is that a fire ant bite HURTS! If you’ve ever stepped in a fire ant mound you know this first hand that they got their name from the burning, stinging pain inflicted by the bite, and the blister that forms afterwards. If you’ve ever had a child fall into a fire ant mound, you’ve felt their pain. Fire ants mound up over light fixtures or get inside causing tremendous damage; they also invade transformers and destroy them.
Light fixtures, no matter how good they are, are no match for these creatures, and a manufacturer warranty does not cover damage by fire ants in most cases. This is why it is so important to treat your Austin, San Antonio or other southern property for these pests. If you take care of your own property, I recommend that you get yourself a broadcast spreader and some Over-N-Out from your local hardware or home improvement store and apply according to directions. Preventative treatment against fire ant damage will certainly save you the expense and inconvenience of replacing part of your landscape lighting system and a costly transformer.
I have personally used Over-N-Out in my Kingsland, Texas yard every year for several years and I have a LOT of lights at my house. One problem I don’t have however is Fire Ants.
For more information about fire ants, click here: http://fireant.tamu.edu/ or http://fireant.tamu.edu/broadcastbait/products/overnout.cfm
Knowing your lawn is safe from the pain and destruction of fire ants will help you enjoy your outdoor spaces and landscape lighting even more in the months to come! If we can be of some help at your Austin, San Antonio or other central Texas area property, please let us know here.
