Ant hills were fair game when I was a kid also. The worst was hitting one with the lawn mower then forgetting about and walking into that part of the yard later and getting mauled on the feet and legs by the little red devils seeking revenge.
I have done that, and know what you are talking about.
Have you ever run a lawn mower over a nest of yellow jackets (baddest of the bad, bees on steroids)?
You’ll never forget that experience either.
I had a yellow jacket fly under my T-shirt and sting me several times last summer as I was filling a hummingbird feeder.
After I beat that sucker to death the YJ still won, my back had several huge welts that took a long time to heal.
I have ZERO compassion for some insects, will kill them with pleasure.