Latin Name:
Solenopsis
Appearance:
Reddish, about 1/4-inch long. Read more about identification of fire ants.
Habit:
Nest in mounds of 1 to 2 feet in diameter and about 1/2-foot high. Large colonies can have up to 250,000 workers. Very active and aggressive, they will sting any intruding animal repeatedly.
Diet:
Omnivorous. Known to eat meats, greasy and sweet materials.
Reproduction:
Total time from egg to adult averages 30 days; workers live up to 180 days; queens live two to six years.
Fire Ant Facts
Though not a native species in North America, the red imported fire ant has become a common nuisance throughout the southern United States such as Florida and Georgia. The Solenopsis invicta, or red imported fire ant, was brought into the United States in the 1930's via a shipment of cargo. Initially transplanted into Alabama, they have spread and thrived throughout the southern states with the warm climate and lack of predators. They have been found as far west as California and as far north as Maryland.
Fire ants favor warm, sunny conditions. They prefer dry fields and avoid shady areas such as woods. Their mounds can grow up to 24 inches in diameter and 18 inches high. These colonies can contain several hundred thousand ants, including at least one queen.
When attacking, fire ants first use their mandibles to attach themselves to their prey, and then inject venom through the stinger. Fire ant stings are painful for most humans and fatal to some: if a victim experiences a severe reaction such as sweating, nausea or excessive itching, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately. Most sting victims experience painful red bumps: a topical antihistamine and a cold compress may help in soothing fire ant stings. Their sting, which includes alkaloid venom, is highly irritating to humans and results in red bumps and white pustules, which can ultimately lead to scarring. The sensation of a fire ant burn has been described as "stinging" and "intense burning," and fire ants are known to attack potential threats or prey in large numbers. A fire ant colony may contain 100,000 to 500,000 insects, thus increasing the likelihood that multiple stings will be inflicted.
Your local pest control professional should be contacted in the event of a fire ant infestation. Professionals can manage lawn infestations while securing homes against indoor invasions.
Annual Fire Ant Treatment and Prevention
Because fire ants are not a native species in North America, developing strategies for their control has proven difficult. The most reliable method of fire ant treatment and prevention is to have your local pest control company perform an inspection and determine how to kill the fire ants in your home.
To prevent bites or stings away from the home, be cautious around large open areas. If you see a fire any mound, keep an eye on the ground to watch for ant activity. If you can, stick to the shade and cooler areas, as fire ants prefer sunny locations.
Other Common Fire Ant Control Methods
Fire Ant Video
Fire Ants & Humans
Biology & Habitat
- Fire Ant Identification: What Does a Fire Ant Look Like?
- Fire Ant Anatomy
- Fire Ant Queen
- Fire Ant Nests, Hills & Range
- Fire Ant Life Cycle