- 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
- Identifying Fire Ants: How do I know if I have fire ants?
- APHIS USDA - U.S. quarantine map
- FAQ #812: "How can I tell the difference between imported fire ants and some common native ants?"
- FAQ #1088: "I have ants in my house. Are they fire ants?"
Find more information about fire ants in eXtension's Imported Fire Ant Resource Area.
