Fire ants eat almost anything, but primarily other insects. Workers sting other insects and then tear them into manageable pieces, which they take back into the colony. Fire ants are attracted to the oils in insects, worms and seeds. This is why oils are used as attractants and insecticide solvents in fire ant baits. During the winter months, fire ants may be less attracted to oils. Fire ants are also attracted to sugars, such as nectar or aphid honeydew. They utilize proteins from insects and other prey. Although fire ant workers can chew, they can only swallow liquids. Solid foods that are brought back into the colony are digested by larvae in the fourth stage of development and fed to other members of the colony.

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