Pest Guide: Red Imported Fire Ants

(Solenopsis invicta)
Red imported fire ants nest in soil and build mound nests. They can infest garages.

Size	Color	Legs	Shape	Antenanae
1/8-3/8	Dark reddish brown	6	Segmented; oval	True

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.

Habits:

These ants will build large mound nests, and will sting humans who come across a nest.

Control / 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.

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