Living in Dallas, Texas, I went out to my backyard and saw fire ants moving between the grass for the first time, but I didn't think much of it.

I started to wonder, "Can I just leave them alone?"

People often spray ant repellents available in stores to get rid of fire ants, but the problem is that these creatures are incredibly resilient.

The reason fire ants are dangerous is that when they sting, it causes a burning pain and blisters, and often leaves scars even after some time.

Moreover, people with severe allergic reactions can experience shock symptoms similar to being stung by a bee. 

When I hear that there are quite a few patients coming to Texas emergency rooms due to fire ant stings, I can't take it lightly.

And the bigger problem is their breeding speed. They form colonies deep underground, and a single queen can lay thousands of eggs, so just getting rid of the visible nests won't solve the issue. Even if you think you've eliminated them today, they can come back from the neighbor's yard or over the fence in a few days.

Of course, you can easily find fire ant-specific insecticides or bait poisons at Home Depot or Walmart.

At first, many people think, "I can handle this myself" and try to do it themselves.

However, the important point here is that treating only the surface is useless.

Since the colony spreads deep underground, if you just sprinkle something on top, only a few will die while the rest survive.

Additionally, when ants feel threatened, they can move with the queen to another location and create a new colony, a phenomenon known as 'budding,' which can actually lead to a larger spread.

In my case, I initially tried spraying the repellent, but after about a week, ants started to appear again from another corner.

Ultimately, I concluded that 'this is not something I can solve on my own.'

At this point, I started to wonder, "Should I call Termitor (a pest control company)?"

Generally, if you see fire ant colonies in one or two places, it might be worth trying DIY methods.

However, if you find them in multiple areas of your yard at the same time, or if you have children and pets living in the house, there's no need to hesitate.

It's safer to call a professional company to ensure they are completely eradicated.

Experts use specialized products that can eliminate not just the ants but also the queen, and they treat the area in a way that penetrates deep into the ground.

They also provide a regular pest control plan to prevent ants from coming back, which makes it much more cost-effective in the long run.

If you've encountered fire ants in Dallas, Texas, you might try using a product from a home center when the colony is small.

However, if their numbers are rapidly increasing or if you're concerned about family safety, it's wise to call in an expert without delay.

Fire ants are not just 'a slightly annoying bug'; if mishandled, they can threaten health and safety.

If you start seeing them at home, it might be the right time to make a decision.

Being complacent with thoughts like "let's just ignore it this time" can lead to greater costs and risks later on.