FILE PHOTO FROM TEXAS AGRI-LIFE EXTENSION In the dog days of summer, temperatures get hotter and hotter, especially in the southern U.S. Children play in the summer recreational leagues, vegetables and flowers ripen in the garden, and family barbecues are at their best.

Soon, sultry days welcome the leaves of autumn. Changing from shorts to sweaters, residents of fire antinfested areas need to plan ahead, including taking steps now to avoid fire ants next spring.

Humid weather and occasional rain showers make fall the perfect time to tackle fire ant problems.

Come autumn, fire ants are building homes and starting colonies in backyards. Fire ants are in prime form, reproducing, gathering food and destroying the foundat ion of homes and their surroundings.

Watch out for fire ant colonies especially in areas where food is served or where a garden is maintained. The best way to prevent fire ants from season to season is to use a broadcast treatment on the entire yard.

Broadcast treatments eliminate mounds and ants that aren't even seen, and the treatment works well to control fire ant problems.

Make sure everyone knows what to do if they are bitten by a fire ant:

-- brush the ants off the body; do not smack them. -- elevate the affected area

-- keep the sting clean -- watch for symptoms of severe allergic reaction and see a physicain if necessary.