TYLER, TX (KETK) - — Fire ants cost Texas around 1.2 billion dollars last year in damages, so if you are working to get rid of them in your own yard, you're not just helping yourself, you're helping the state.

Experts tell KETK that if you want to irradicate fire ants from your property, then spot treating is not going to cut it.

ants spread quickly, so if you just focus on specific beds, usually you will find just as many in other areas of the yard within the next few days.

Fire ants cost the state money by messing with phone lines, irrigation systems, and even livestock.

Texas prarie chickens have had their numbers dwindle significantly since fire ants eat their insect food source.

And it isn't just the plants that have enjoyed the recent rain here in east texas.

Fire ants use the moisture in the soil to help incubate their eggs.