Identification
Fire ants are reddish-brown with darker abdomens and measure between 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. They have six legs, a two-segmented petiole, and a 10-segmented antenna ending in a two-segmented club. Fire ants possess a stinger and strong mandibles, allowing them to bite and inject venom.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Fire ants undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Queens can lay up to 1,500 eggs per day, leading to rapid colony expansion. Worker ants live for several weeks, while queens can survive for years. Colonies can contain multiple queens and thousands of workers.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Fire ants are aggressive and territorial, attacking when disturbed. They primarily consume proteins, sugars, and greasy foods. Unlike many ant species, fire ants can establish large mounds and survive flooding by forming floating clusters.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
Fire ants nest in a variety of environments, commonly found:
- Open fields, parks, and yards
- Near sidewalks, driveways, and electrical equipment
- In gardens, mulch beds, and compost piles
- Inside homes when seeking food and shelter
- Under logs, rocks, and debris piles
Threats & Danger
Fire ants are highly aggressive and deliver painful stings that can cause allergic reactions. Their venom produces burning sensations, pustules, and, in some cases, severe allergic reactions leading to anaphylaxis. They can also damage crops, electrical wiring, and equipment.
Prevention
- Seal cracks and entry points around buildings
- Keep food stored in airtight containers and clean up spills
- Remove debris, woodpiles, and standing water around structures
- Maintain well-trimmed lawns and reduce nesting areas
- Use baiting systems to prevent colony establishment
Signs of Infestation
- Large, dome-shaped mounds in open, sunny areas
- Trails of reddish-brown ants foraging for food
- Swarming activity near electrical equipment
- Painful stings with pus-filled blisters
- Ants clustering on food, pet bowls, or trash bins
How to Get Rid of It
- Apply granular fire ant bait to eliminate colonies
- Use mound drenching treatments with insecticides
- Pour boiling water over mounds for natural control
- Introduce biological controls like phorid flies
- Seek professional pest control for widespread infestations