Homeowners in Highland Village know the frustration of stepping out into the yard on a warm November afternoon to find still fire ant mounds alive and well. Many would think that these small, painful pests are gone along with the first signs of fall, but that is not the case in this North Texas community.
As Highland Village and its more than 16,200 residents enjoy outdoor spaces for most of the year, fire ants in November create ongoing challenges for families, pets, and outdoor gatherings. Here, the peculiar weather elements of Highland Village and the biology of fire ants collide to create the perfect storm, allowing the invasive pests to remain surprisingly active late into fall.
However, if you still find yourself with mounds even with the drop in temperature, contacting romneypestcontrol.com can help you take back your yard before the holiday season is upon us.
Highland Village’s Climate and Its Impact on Fire Ants
Highland Village’s November average temperatures range from highs of 67°F to lows of 45°F, keeping fire ants active much longer into the fall than residents might think. Highland Village experiences a mild fall, when fire ants are still on the surface, unlike areas further north, where hard freezes drive them underground. Its location near Lewisville Lake also provides a bit of heat moderation and the humidity levels fire ants require for survival.
Most Highland Village residents know the science behind pest behavior; 60% of Highland Village’s population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, but knowledge alone is not enough to keep these pesky critters from colonizing their lawns.
Why Fire Ants Stay Active in Late Fall
Temperature Thresholds That Matter
In Highland Village, the November weather often falls within this range in the afternoon, when temperatures range from 70 to 85°F and fire ants are most active. Fire ants are like Black Friday shoppers: before they lay their eggs, they are motivated only if conditions are right. These insects will come out of their underground chambers and start foraging, repairing mounds, and expanding their territory whenever the daytime temperature warms into the 60s and lower 70s.
Soil Temperature Benefits
Most people do not realize that soil temperature is probably more critical than air temperature for fire ants’ activity. The main ecological factor regulating colony metabolism and activity is soil temperature. In Highland Village, away from heavy shade, the soil stays warm late into November, mainly in south-facing yards and those with dark mulch.
Early Signs of Fire Ant Activity in November
- Fresh mound construction – New or rebuilt mounds with loose, fluffy soil are a positive indicator of active colonies. These will often be printed after extreme nocturnal temperature swings, while ants regulate their subterranean temperature.
- Increased daytime foraging – Ants traveling along trails in the middle of the afternoon, when the temperature hits the 60s or 70s. They are not as aggressive as during the summer months , but just as hungry.
- Mound excavation following rain – Average days in November have approximately a 19% chance of rain, and after a rainfall event, fire ants will often reconstruct and fortify their mounds within 24–48 hours.
- Defensive behavior when mounds are disturbed – An active colony responds quickly to a threat, even during the cooler weather. If you walk a few steps from a mound and see ants pouring out in a matter of seconds, the colony is definitely active.
Professional Fire Ant Control Solutions
When fire ants refuse to cooperate with the calendar in Highland Village, it may be time to call in the professionals. At this time of year, North Texas homeowners know better than anyone that fire ants can be a challenge, but Romney Pest Control knows what to look for. This strategy relies on the timing of treatments to match those warm spells in November, when fire ants are foraging, the same time when bait applications are most effective. They know that Highland Village has a microclimate by the lake that keeps these little critters alive longer than in the neighboring land, creating pockets of energising fire ants.
