Orkin Exterminator & Termite Control

Fire Ant Queen

Fire ants thrive in warm temperatures and seek uninterrupted sunlight, avoiding shady, dark areas. Open yards, fields, and parks are often infested. Mounds often appear suddenly especially after significant rainfall has made the ground too wet.

Fire ant colonies are comprised of workers that do the jobs of nursery workers, defenders, and food gatherers. After the colony has grown and developed, winged male and female ants develop.  Their job is to leave the colony to mate and start new colonies. After her mating flight, a fertilized fire ant queen lands and sheds her wings.

Alternative colonies begin when a single fire ant queen leaves her multiple-queen colony in the attendance of a group of worker ants. The resulting mound will be located nearby, enlarging the overall colony. During movement, thousands of fire ants can be seen moving to new locations.

Most workers and fighters zealously protect their queens. Fire ants sting and inject toxic alkaloid venom into their victims. The resulting sting is painful to most humans and can be fatal to smaller animals. In the event that a victim experiences sweating, nausea or excessive itching, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately.

Fire Ant Facts

Fire Ant Identification: What Does a Fire Ant Look Like

What Do Fire Ant Eggs Look Like

Fire Ant Anatomy

Fire Ant Life Cycle

Red Ants

American Red Fire Ant

Black Fire Ants