Ssolenopsis
invicta
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.
It is easily distinguished from other ants if one is unlucky enough
to be stung.
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 kneeling or
standing next to or on 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. Over-the-counter fire ant
baits can be effective if properly used, but regular applications
are necessary because the ants readily reinvade from neighboring
properties. Many homeowners employ the services of a professional
company, such as Curtis Pest Control, to provide fire ant services
