Sometimes it is necessary to treat trails of foraging ants. Outside and inside, these trails can be treated with spot applications of liquid insecticide. If ants are found foraging under the edge of carpets, however, they are most easily treated using a dust insecticide formulation. There are 3 species of fire ants that are common to Texas. The red imported fire ant, the imported fire ant, and southern fire ants.
Fire ants are a significant health threat due to their stings.
Regular outdoor applications to lawns and foundations are often necessary because reinfestion from neighboring properties is common. The key to fire ant control is to locate all mounds and treat them. Mounds can be treated by drenching with liquid insecticides or by bait. Application of fire ant bait to the entire lawn helps limit reinfestation of treated areas. A perimeter application of a liquid insecticide helps to prevent their entry into homes.