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

Print Share/Bookmark

How can I tell the difference between fire ants and some of the common native ants?

Last Updated: February 28, 2012

View as web page


Fire ant workers are polymorphic, which means that their workers can vary in size from 1/16 to almost 1/4 inch long. In contrast, native ant species' workers are uniform in size.

Imported fire ant mounds can sometimes reach 3 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter. Fire ants are highly aggressive and will bite and sting when disturbed. Their sting produces a burning sensation, and in a day or so a white pustule may form at the site.

 

Related Content

 

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, native ants, common native ants


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.