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Fire Ant
Characteristics –
Size: There are many sizes of workers in the colony, ranging from
1/8-inch to almost 3/8-inch in length.
Color: Reddish brown.
Behavior – Fire ants pose a health risk to anyone venturing into
areas where the ants are found. Although the vast majority of stings
result only in a raised welt that may develop a white pustule, a person
allergic to insect stings could experience a more serious reaction.
Additionally, a person seldom receives just one sting. Rather, dozens or
even hundreds of stings can be inflicted quickly on a person accidentally
walking on or standing next to a fire ant mound.
Habitat – The red imported fire ant was brought into this country
during the 1920s and has spread to cover most of the Gulf Coast states and
most of eastern Texas. It is now established north into parts of Tennessee
and North Carolina. These ants nest in the soil and construct large mounds
that are easily seen in lawns and pastures. A single lawn may contain a
dozen or more mounds. This ant will also locate nests within landscape
mulch and beneath items on the ground, such as landscape timbers. The
mounds of such colonies may be shallow and poorly structured, making them
difficult to detect for the less experienced eye. Fire ants may construct
mounds next to the foundation and enter homes through weep holes or other
exterior cracks and holes. Once inside, workers forage in trails beneath
the edge of carpeting. On occasion, the ants will bring soil up into walls
or beneath first floor bathrooms and construct a nest.
Tips for Control – Because of the health threat posed by fire
ants, it is important to take steps to control the ants around the home
and in the yard. Fire ant baits can be effective if properly used, but
regular applications are necessary because the ants readily reinvade from
neighboring properties.
Suggested Control Products
Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait
Maxforce Fire Ant Bait
Ascend Fire Ant Bait
Advance
Formula #1 Ant Bait
Drione
Demand CS
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