The same things that make the Austin area a great place for people to live make it good fire ant territory. Spring is the ideal time for imported fire ants to begin working their mounds and causing problems for homeowners.
Fire ants like to nest in open, sunny yards that are mowed and watered regularly.
They will nest in vegetable gardens, compost piles, in newly planted tree rings, sidewalk cracks and next to building foundations. Imported fire ants travel from yard to yard, easily dispersing due to periodic mating flights the winged ants seen usually following rainfall. Also, colony movement readily occurs during this time. Spring is a particularly good time to begin an organized fire ant management program. Homeowners will continue the battle and expense of attempting to control these pests unless a coordinated effort is recognized.