These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Imported Fire Ants Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

How do I know if I have fire ants?

Last Updated: January 30, 2012

View as web page


  • Fire ants have an aboveground mound of fluffy worked soil, particularly a few days after a heavy rain.
  • Unlike the nests of most other ant species, the fire ant mound has no opening in the center. Fire ants leave and enter the mound through underground tunnels.
  • Fire ant workers also vary in size from 1/16-1/4 inch (polymorphic), whereas many other ant species are uniform in size.
  • Fire ants are aggressive and worker ants will crawl up vertical surfaces or act aggressive when disturbed.
  • Fire ants will bite and sting aggressively and repeatedly. A day or so later, the venom forms a white fluid-filled pustule or blister at the sting site. This reaction is very characteristic and only fire ant venom causes this symptom.  

Related

 

Find more information about fire ants in eXtension's Imported Fire Ant Resource Area

Browse related Faqs by tag: fire ants, identification, imported fire ants, solenopsis


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.