How I Get Rid of Fire Ants in the Grass

Fire ant nest in grass

If you’ve ever been relaxing in your yard, maybe barefoot on a warm day, and suddenly felt a burning sting on your foot — you’ve met fire ants. These little invaders are small but aggressive, and once they take over your lawn, they can make it feel like stepping outside is a risk.

As a pest control professional here in Rialto and Fontana, CA, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly fire ants can turn a nice yard into an all-out battlefield. Let’s talk about why they show up, what they do, where they live in the grass, and how to get rid of them for good — plus what you can expect if they try to come back.

🔥 Why Fire Ants Are in Your Grass

Fire ants love open, sunny spaces — exactly what most lawns offer. They build large underground colonies where the soil stays warm and slightly moist. That’s why you’ll often see their mounds popping up in lawns, gardens, and near sidewalks or driveways after rain or irrigation.

They’re drawn to lawns with easy food sources — things like dropped pet food, insects, or even crumbs from an outdoor barbecue. Once they find a place that offers warmth and food, they settle in fast.

🐜 What Happens When Fire Ants Walk on You or Your Pets

Fire ants aren’t like typical ants that might wander across your foot and keep moving. When a fire ant climbs onto a person or pet, it’s rarely alone. Dozens can swarm within seconds, and they all bite almost at once — injecting venom that burns, itches, and leaves red, swollen welts.

For pets, especially dogs that lay or roll in the grass, it can be even worse. Their fur traps ants close to the skin, and before they realize it, they’ve been stung multiple times. Some animals and people can even have allergic reactions to fire ant bites, which is why it’s important to treat infestations quickly and thoroughly.

🕳️ Where Fire Ants Live in the Grass

You’ll know fire ants are around if you see loose, dome-shaped mounds in your yard — often without a visible opening. These mounds can be small at first but expand rapidly as the colony grows.

Below the surface, fire ants build complex tunnel systems that can go several feet deep, with multiple chambers for larvae, workers, and food storage. That’s why treating only the visible mound rarely works — most of the colony is hidden underground, where sprays and DIY treatments don’t reach.

⚙️ How I Get Rid of Fire Ants

At TruPest Solutions, we use an integrated approach that targets the entire colony — not just the ants you see on the surface. Here’s how we typically handle it:

1. Inspection: We identify active mounds and surrounding areas where the colony has spread underground.

2. Targeted Treatment: We apply professional-grade baits and products designed to reach deep into the colony. The ants carry it back to the queen, ensuring the entire nest is eliminated.

3. Soil and Perimeter Treatment: We treat key entry points and lawn edges to prevent re-infestation.

4. Follow-Up Service: Because fire ants can return, we recommend recurring lawn treatments to keep your yard protected all year long.

This method doesn’t just kill what’s visible — it destroys the colony at its core.

⏳ Will Fire Ants Come Back?

Unfortunately, fire ants are stubborn. Even after a full treatment, new colonies can move in from neighboring yards within a few months, especially during warmer weather. That’s why recurring service is key — to keep your lawn protected before they have a chance to rebuild.

Most homeowners start seeing activity again anywhere from 3 to 6 months after a one-time treatment, depending on weather, soil conditions, and how close other colonies are.

With ongoing maintenance, though, we can stop them before they ever take hold again.

💡 Why Professional Help Is the Best Choice

Fire ants are tough, and DIY sprays or powders may kill a few surface ants, but they rarely reach the queen — which means the colony survives and rebuilds.

Professional fire ant control not only removes the active colony but also includes preventive lawn treatments, ensuring the problem doesn’t return. And when your yard is clear, you can actually enjoy it again — barefoot and bite-free.

📞 Say Goodbye to Fire Ants in Your Yard

If you’ve spotted fire ant mounds or been stung in your yard, don’t wait for them to spread. Contact TruPest Solutions today — we’ll inspect your lawn, eliminate the colony, and help you keep it that way with recurring pest protection.

Call us at 951-334-5288 or visit TruPestSolutions.com to schedule your service online today.

Take back your lawn — and enjoy your grass again without the burn.