You’ve Heard of Floodwater Mosquitoes, But Floodwater Ants?
Posted by Mosquito Squad
August 8, 2025
In Fort Worth, we're no strangers to the challenges posed by aggressive, plentiful floodwater mosquitoes.
However, recent events have spotlighted another flood-related menace – the resilient, also plentiful fire ant. These mini menaces have been observed forming floating rafts to survive rising waters, a phenomenon that has garnered attention across Texas.
The Phenomenon, Fire Ant Rafts in Texas
The phenomenal fire ant rafts are a testament to insects’ remarkable strategies of survival. When their underground nests are flooded, they link their physical bodies together to create buoyancy, where they can literally float on top of water for days. One fire ant raft can include an entire colony, including workers, queen, and even larvae. This freakishly odd sight is the fire ant’s strategy to ensure survival of their species during floods.
Nobody Wants to See Fire Ants, But These Rafts Can Be a Hazard
Fire ant encounters are unsettling and getting a sting or two is a painful experience, no matter what. When it comes to rafts, with hundreds or thousands of ants – a person or animal could be stung en masse. That’s a floodwater hazard we might not have considered!
Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your Pets
It’s now more important than ever to make sure we remain vigilant about fire ant rafts, or the resulting colonies that have been transported from one place to another – i.e. perhaps your own yard! Be on the lookout and if you come in contact, do the following:
- Outdoor workers should wear protective clothing, like long sleeves, pants, boots, and gloves in areas where contact with fire ants could be very possible.
- You wouldn’t stomp an ant hill – do not touch or disturb fire ant rafts.
- If ants get on you, brush them off quickly to help avoid or minimize stinging.
If you are stung, wash the area or areas promptly, apply ice or a cold compress, and use topical hydrocortisone ointment or cream. If you typically have a more severe response, perhaps an OTC antihistamine would also be appropriate.
Anyone with a known severe sting allergy should seek medical attention immediately after being stung.
Fire Ant Control, Destroy and Deter Fire Ants in Your Yard
Mosquito Squad of Fort Worth offers highly effective fire ant control and deterrence for homes and businesses alike. Floodwater or not, fire ants are ever-present in our region, and they must be dealt with. We offer fire ant control, as well as a number of tailored Fort Worth pest control plans to best address your fire ant issues.
These pest control plans include:
Get Proven Pest Control Near Me with Mosquito Squad of Fort Worth!
Mosquito Squad of Fort Worth brings expertise, professionalism, and is committed to exceptional customer service to every job we undertake. Get in touch with us online or call (817) 835-8694 to request your free Fort Worth outdoor pest control assessment and quote.
