Fire ants move into a dark, dry place when it floods, and into moist areas in drought conditions. A pile of laundry is a convenient place that resembles many tunnels for the ants. Soiled clothing with food particles or oils can also be attractive to foraging ants.
Laundry and laundry rooms are often warm, humid, and have moisture, making a great habitat for fire ants. Ants are often reported in dirty laundry following a flood or severe drought. They are also found in utility rooms and bathrooms or anywhere near water sources where ants have access to the area from outside.
Related
Find more information about fire ants in eXtension's Imported Fire Ant Resource Area.
