Fire Ants in San Antonio: How to Spot and Stop Them Early

If you’ve lived in San Antonio for even a single spring, you know the drill: one day your yard looks fine, and the next, it’s dotted with fire ant mounds. These aggressive, fast-building colonies thrive in warm weather and can quickly take over lawns, playgrounds, and flower beds—especially after rain.

Whether you’ve already spotted a mound or just want to avoid a painful sting, here’s what you need to know about fire ants in San Antonio, and how to stop them before they become a problem.

Fire ants are notorious mound builders. If you see mounds-- big or small-- you may have fire ants.

Why Fire Ants Are So Active in Spring

Spring brings exactly what fire ants love: warm soil, moisture, and steady food sources. As the weather heats up, colonies begin expanding aggressively. Workers scout for food, while the queen ramps up egg production, creating thousands of new ants per week.

In San Antonio, where the climate favors year-round activity, spring is when infestations spread rapidly—and a single untreated mound can lead to dozens more within weeks.

How to Identify Fire Ant Activity Early

Not all ant mounds are created equal. Here’s how to know if you’re dealing with fire ants:

• Loose, fluffy soil mounds (no visible hole in the center)

• Sudden appearance after rainfall or yard work

• Ants that swarm aggressively when disturbed

• Painful stings that result in burning, itching, or white pustules

They’re not shy. If you disturb the mound, you’ll see ants surface fast—and they will defend the colony in numbers.

Pro-Tip: Don’t kick or flatten the mound. This only causes them to relocate, and it won’t eliminate the queen or root colony.

The Risks of Fire Ants in Your Yard

Fire ants aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous:

• Painful, venomous stings that often occur in swarms

• Risk of serious allergic reactions, especially in children or pets

• Damage to lawns, air conditioning units, and electrical equipment

• Disruption of outdoor time—especially in gardens, playgrounds, or patios

Left untreated, their numbers grow fast—and they often nest along sidewalks, fence lines, and under landscaping, making them harder to detect until it’s too late.

Why DIY Fire Ant Treatments Often Fail

Store-bought ant sprays and dusts may kill a few workers, but they don’t reach the queen, which is buried deep within the colony. Many DIY products only cause the ants to move to a new location—often a few feet away, just out of sight.

To stop fire ants for good, you need a treatment that:

• Penetrates the colony to reach the queen

• Includes a bait or growth regulator

• Creates a protective barrier around your property

That’s where professional help makes the difference.

How Elevate Pest Control Handles Fire Ants in San Antonio

We’ve designed our treatments to tackle fire ants at the source. Our approach includes:

• Targeted baiting and barrier applications customized to your property

• Identification of secondary colonies or satellite mounds

• Long-lasting protection through scheduled seasonal treatments

• Friendly, knowledgeable techs who know exactly what to look for

Fire ants in San Antonio don’t wait to spread—and neither should you.

If you’ve spotted a mound or want to protect your yard before they show up, schedule your treatment with Elevate today.