National Pest Management Association Inc.
Red Imported Fire Ants
Solenopsis invicta
| Color: |
Dark reddish brown |
| Legs: |
6 |
| Shape: |
Segmented; oval |
| Size: |
1/8-3/8 |
| Antennae: |
True |
| Region: |
Southern United States, from Maryland to Texas, California and New Mexico |
Red imported fire ants nest in soil and build mound nests. They can infest garages.
Habits
These ants will build large mound nests, and will sting humans who come across a nest.
Habitat
Red imported fire ants will build their nest mounds outdoors in landscape areas or near a structural foundation. The ant will gain entry to a building through holes or cracks.
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 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.
Prevention:
Red imported fire ants and their telltale mound nests should be actively avoided. To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices.