Learning Center
Fire Ants (Red Imported)
About Fire Ants
Fire Ants can be found in AL, AK Red imported fire ants nest in soil and build mound nests. They can infest garages, or nest outdoors in landscape areas or near a structural foundation. Fire ants will gain entry to a building through holes or cracks.
Fire Ants Habitat
Fire Ants will build large mound nests, and will sting humans and pets coming across a nest.
Fire Ants Threats
The sting of a red imported fire ant is painful and often results in a raised welt that becomes a white pustule. Often, a person or a pet stung by a red imported fire ant receives multiple painful stings from more than one of the ants. Persons allergic to insect stings will react more severely.
Fire Ants Treatment and Pest Control
Red imported fire ants and their telltale mound nests should be actively avoided. An effective fire ant pest control plan will include regular inspections, structural changes to address entry points into a structure, and treat any fire ant nests individually. Separate treatment plans will be needed for residential pest control vs. commercial pest control.
Pest Identification
Family
Solenopsis invicta
Color
Dark brown to blackish
Shape
Segmented; oval
Size
1/8" - 3/8"
Antennae
Yes
Flight
No