Fire Ants

Size: There are many sizes of workers, ranging from 1/8-inch to almost 3/8-inch in length

Color: Reddish brown

The notorious Red Imported Fire Ants , the American South's "ant from hell," was accidentally introduced into the port of Mobile, Alabama, sometime in the 1930's. Its native range is northern Argentina and southern Brazil, and the first immigrant colonies probably made their ways north as stowaways on cargo ships. The species then spread throughout the southern United States, where today its vast populations of fiercely stinging workers make it a major pest.

 

Although the vast majority of stings result only in a raised welt, a person allergic to insect stings could experience serious reactions. Also, a person seldom receives just one sting. Rather, dozens or even hundreds of stings can be inflicted quickly on a person accidentally kneeling or standing next to or on a fire ant mound.

The red imported fire ant was brought into this country during the 1920s and has spread to cover most of the states. These ants nest in the soil and construct large mounds that are easily seen in lawns and farms. 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. Fire ants may construct mounds next to the foundation and enter homes through holes or other exterior cracks. On occasion, the ants will bring soil up into walls or beneath first floor bathrooms and construct a nest.