Published 2026-10-26 · Waxahachie pest guide
In short
Combine a yard-wide bait with treating active mounds, repeat seasonally, and watch play areas closely.
Why they pop up after rain
Fire ant colonies live deep in the soil. When the ground is saturated, they move up and rebuild mounds near the surface. That is why lawns look fine one week and dotted with mounds the next.
The two-step approach
- Broadcast bait across the lawn when ants are foraging, usually on warm, dry days. Workers carry it back to the queen.
- Treat mounds that remain active a few days later, especially near walkways and play areas.
Keeping family and pets safe
- Check play sets and sandboxes before kids play
- Do not disturb mounds with a shovel or mower
- Wash stings with soap and water; watch for allergic reactions
Questions
Do home remedies like boiling water work?
They can kill part of a mound but rarely the queen, and they damage grass. Baits work better.
When is the best time to treat?
Spring and fall, when ants forage actively and temperatures are mild.
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