Fire Ants in Goldsboro & Wayne County, NC: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you’ve ever stepped outside barefoot and felt a sudden sting, you might already be familiar with fire ants — one of the most aggressive and stubborn pests in Eastern North Carolina. At Arrest-A-Pest Exterminators, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly fire ant infestations can spread across yards, gardens, and even homes in Goldsboro, Mount Olive, and the rest of Wayne County.

Here’s what you need to know about fire ants and how to protect your property.

What Are Fire Ants?

Fire ants are small reddish-brown ants known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior. Native to South America, they’ve become a common pest in the southeastern U.S., including North Carolina. Fire ants build large mounds and are most active during warm weather, making spring and summer peak seasons for infestations.

Why Fire Ants Are a Problem in Goldsboro

Wayne County’s warm, humid climate and sandy soil create the perfect breeding ground for fire ants. You’ll most often find their mounds in:

• Lawns and landscaping

• Electrical boxes or air conditioning units

• Garden beds and driveways

• Around the foundation of your home

Left untreated, a few mounds can quickly multiply, putting pets, children, and even lawn equipment at risk.

Are Fire Ants Dangerous?

Yes — fire ant stings can cause:

• Painful welts or blisters

• Allergic reactions in some individuals

• Injuries to pets or livestock if nests are disturbed

• Damage to electrical equipment, causing short circuits

Fire ants are territorial and will swarm anything that disturbs their mound — including you!

How to Get Rid of Fire Ants

DIY treatments from the hardware store often only address the surface problem, allowing colonies to rebound. At Arrest-A-Pest, we use targeted treatments that eliminate the entire colony, including the queen.

Our fire ant control service includes:

• Professional inspection of your property

• Safe, effective baiting or mound treatment

• Ongoing monitoring to prevent reinfestation

We proudly serve Goldsboro, Mount Olive, Dudley, Fremont, and all across Wayne County and Duplin County, NC.

Preventing Future Fire Ant Infestations

Once your current infestation is under control, ongoing prevention is key. Some steps homeowners can take include:

• Keeping lawns mowed and free of debris

• Avoiding overwatering or poor drainage

• Sealing entry points around your home

We also offer seasonal pest control plans that include routine fire ant protection.

Dealing With Fire Ants? Let Us Help.

If you’ve spotted fire ant mounds on your property, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the easier it is to contain the problem.

Contact Arrest-A-Pest Exterminators today for expert fire ant control in Goldsboro and Wayne County. As a local, family-owned business, we know how to handle pests in your backyard — and we’re ready to help you take it back.