The air feels crisp, leaves are crunching underfoot, and Sandy Springs neighborhoods are coming alive with fall décor and holiday lights. For most Georgia homeowners, this is the time to pack away the summer lawn gear and stop worrying about mosquitoes, wasps, and—of course—fire ants.
But here's the thing: fire ants don't pack up and leave when summer ends.
In fact, these pests are still busy underground, building colonies and searching for warmth. Their activity doesn't stop in November—it just moves below the surface. That's why it's critical to keep your yard and lawn protected year-round with ongoing fire ant control in Sandy Springs, GA.
Fire Ants Don't Hibernate — They Relocate
As temperatures drop in late fall, many homeowners assume fire ants die off or go dormant. Unfortunately, that's one of the biggest myths in pest control.
Fire ants remain a persistent threat well into late fall, and their colonies continue to thrive beneath the soil. They simply adapt to the changing weather.
During cooler months, fire ants seek warmth by relocating their nests to sunnier areas or near heat-retaining structures such as sidewalks, driveways, and home foundations. These are called late-season mounds—and if you've seen fresh soil pushed up around your lawn or landscaping lately, that's likely what you're looking at.
Even though surface activity slows, the colony beneath can still contain thousands of ants capable of stinging, biting, and damaging turf or electrical systems. Ignoring these mounds now only helps colonies survive the winter—and reemerge stronger in spring.
So, if you're seeing new fire ant mounds in your yard in Sandy Springs, it's not leftover summer activity. It's a sign of a still-active colony preparing for the colder months ahead.
Why November Fire Ants Are So Dangerous
While you might not see the same frenzied ant traffic as in July, don't be fooled—these colonies are still active and potentially more aggressive.
They move closer to your home. Fire ants gravitate toward warmth. In cooler weather, they nest near driveways, sidewalks, and even foundations—making it easier for them to move indoors through cracks or utility lines.
They disrupt your lawn. Their tunneling and soil displacement can damage turf, kill grass, and interfere with root systems.
They pose a risk to families and pets. Late fall means outdoor gatherings, decorations, and playtime in the yard. A single step on a hidden mound can turn a fun afternoon into a painful experience.
That's why late-season fire ant activity in Sandy Springs, GA, shouldn't be ignored. Waiting until spring to act often means dealing with larger, harder-to-control colonies.
Why You're Still Seeing Mounds This Fall
If you're noticing fresh mounds popping up after rain or cooler nights, it's because fire ants are adjusting the depth of their nests to maintain warmth.
These mounds often appear near:
Sunlit patches of grass
Driveways or patios that retain heat
Foundation walls
Edges of sidewalks or curbs
Even if you've treated for ants earlier in the year, new colonies can migrate from neighboring properties and reestablish quickly. That's why ongoing fire ant treatment in Sandy Springs, Georgia, is so important—especially in transitional seasons like fall.
Fall Yardwork and Fire Ant Awareness
November is prime time for yard cleanup—raking leaves, pruning shrubs, or hanging outdoor decorations. But it's also the perfect time to stay alert for fire ant activity.
Before diving into your fall to-do list, take a few minutes to scan your property for signs of mounds. Disturbing one accidentally can lead to dozens of painful stings.
Here are a few yard pest control tips for Sandy Springs, Georgia homeowners to keep your outdoor spaces safe:
Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when working in soil or around landscaping.
Inspect lawn edges, mulch beds, and tree bases before kneeling or reaching.
Keep pets away from known mounds, especially curious dogs who love to dig.
Avoid disturbing visible mounds—it can scatter the colony and make control harder.
And if you plan to host outdoor meals or holiday gatherings, this is the ideal time to schedule outdoor pest control in Sandy Springs, GA, with BREDA. Our technicians can evaluate your property and create a treatment plan that protects your family—and your guests—from stings and bites this season.
BREDA's Proven Approach to Fire Ant Control
At BREDA Pest Management, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all pest control. Our approach is based on over 50 years of experience protecting Georgia homes from pests inside and out.
Our fire ant control in Sandy Springs, GA, is designed to treat both visible mounds and the underground colonies that feed them. Using professional-grade treatments, we target the source—not just the surface—so you get long-lasting protection that DIY sprays and granules simply can't provide.
Here's how our process works:
Property inspection: We identify every active mound and evaluate risk zones like foundations, play areas, and landscaped beds.
Colony targeting: Our treatments penetrate deep into the soil where fire ants live and breed, eliminating entire colonies.
Barrier protection: We apply treatments that create a perimeter defense, reducing re-infestation risk from neighboring yards.
Ongoing prevention: We can customize a yearly maintenance plan to ensure your lawn stays protected in every season.
When you work with BREDA, you're partnering with experts who understand the local climate, soil, and pest behaviors that affect lawn fire ant infestations in Sandy Springs.
Why Late-Season Treatment Matters
Think of November fire ant control like preventive medicine—it's easier (and cheaper) to prevent an outbreak than treat one later.
Treating mounds in late fall:
Reduces colony strength before winter dormancy.
Lowers the chance of a large resurgence in spring.
Keeps your outdoor spaces safe for family activities and pets.
Skipping treatment now means allowing those colonies to overwinter and multiply, resulting in more mounds and more aggressive behavior once temperatures rise again.
So don't wait for spring—this is the perfect time to call BREDA for a fire ant prevention plan in Sandy Springs, GA, tailored to your property.
Hosting Outdoors? Don't Forget Pest Safety
Between Thanksgiving gatherings, football parties, and holiday decorations, many Sandy Springs families are spending more time outdoors this month.
Whether you're setting up string lights, inflatables, or hosting a cozy backyard dinner, late-season pests can still turn your celebration into a hazard.
Fire ants are especially problematic near:
Patio furniture and outdoor dining areas
Walkways and driveways lined with lights or décor
Lawns where kids and pets play
A quick pre-holiday inspection can make a big difference. BREDA's holiday yard pest control in Sandy Springs, GA, ensures your lawn is safe for every guest—from toddlers to grandparents.
When DIY Isn't Enough
Home remedies and store-bought baits might seem like easy fixes, but fire ant colonies are complex and resilient. The visible mound is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath it can be hundreds of interconnected tunnels stretching deep underground.
DIY products often fail to reach the queen or kill the entire colony. In some cases, they cause ants to split and create multiple new colonies, making the problem worse.
That's why calling professional pest control in Sandy Springs, GA, is worth it. BREDA's licensed technicians know exactly where to target treatments for maximum effectiveness—and we guarantee results.
Fire Ant Facts Every Sandy Springs Homeowner Should Know
A single colony can contain up to 200,000 ants.
Fire ants can survive brief freezes by retreating deeper underground.
They're drawn to electrical equipment, sometimes shorting out circuits or irrigation systems.
Their stings inject venom that can cause painful welts or allergic reactions.
By staying proactive through late fall, you reduce your risk of infestations and keep your property safe and enjoyable for every season.
For more background on fire ant behavior and prevention, the University of Georgia Extension offers great educational resources on managing red imported fire ants across Georgia.
Stay Ahead of the Mounds with BREDA
Fire ants might slow down when the temperatures drop, but they don't disappear. And by the time spring rolls around, those same colonies can explode in size—leading to dozens of new mounds across your lawn.
Don't wait until they resurface. Schedule your fire ant treatment in Sandy Springs, Georgia, today. BREDA's team provides thorough inspections, powerful treatments, and customized prevention plans that keep your yard safe and pest-free all year long.
If you're tired of wondering what the pests in or around your home are doing and just want them gone, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to protect your home and keep it protected—no matter the circumstances. Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
