“BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — As the Cape Fear region begins to recuperate from the recent severe storms, residents find themselves grappling with an unexpected revival of a familiar pest: fire ants.
Known for their painful stings, fire ants pose a significant problem for residents and farmers. The situation is further complicated by the ants’ ability to burrow deep into the ground, making them difficult to eliminate. Their stings are known to cause distressing skin irritations among humans and livestock alike.
Mark Seitz, the Pender County Cooperative Extension Director, attributes the recent surge in fire ant activity to the stormy weather conditions. He explains, “The heavy rains we’ve experienced recently are the reason behind the sudden increase in fire ant sightings. The colonies, usually situated underground, push their way to the surface and form mounds to stay above the rising water levels.”
While there are several suggested methods to counter this menace, their efficacy varies. One approach involves pouring at least 2 gallons of boiling water into the nest—a practice Seitz warns might not always bring the desired result. Another alternative technique uses a combination of bait and poison to eliminate the queen fire ant and thus disrupt the colony. The choice of method largely depends upon the specific circumstances and severity of the infestation.
