Imported fire ants (Hymenoptera) can be collected at almost anytime of the year on warm days from their mounds. Be aware of where you are standing and move away from mounds if ants crawl on your shoes. This must be done carefully so you do not get stung.

• Dust baby powder on dishwashing gloves and wear them because the ants cannot crawl up dusted surfaces (hold hands upright)and have adult supervision.
• Place rubbing alcohol in a vial and stick it into the top of an undisturbed mound. Worker ants will climb up and drop into the vial and drown.
• Quickly remove the vial and cap it with gloved hands and rub off ants by rolling vial in grass.

Try collecting 30 or so ants and submit them for identification to your local County Extension Agent or qualified insect taxonomist.