In the 1930s, fire ants made their way to the United States. They first established themselves in Alabama, before spreading to at least 15 other states along the southern and western coasts of the US. Since then, the common fire ant infestation has become a growing problem. Not to be confused with the more docile native fire ants, the imported red fire ants are aggressive swarming insects that deliver a painful sting.
Fire Ant Territory
Fire ants typically prefer open, sunny areas like lawns and fields. As omnivores, they can find food sources almost anywhere. They are attracted to meats, and greasy and sweet materials, making campgrounds and picnic areas perfect areas for them to colonize. They may also be found under buildings and near standing water.
Spotting the Nest
Fire ant mounds are a familiar sight to many south-westerners. The nest is typically built above ground and may be two feet in diameter and up to 8-10 inches tall. The relatively low height may make mounds difficult to see from a distance, or when using equipment like a tractor, making it more likely that the nest could be disturbed by yard or fieldwork.
Colony Facts
A large colony can have up to 250,000 worker ants. The workers are aggressive and active, and will attack in swarms, delivering repeated stings to any intruder. It takes only 30 days for eggs to grow into adults, and workers live for up to 180 days, which means a colony can grow quickly. A queen lives between two and six years and may grow an enormous colony in her lifetime.
Preventing Fire Ant Infestation
Some steps that you can take to avoid a fire ant infestation include:
- Removing standing water and other sources of moisture around the home
- Keep trash cans and yard waste covered and sealed
- Seal gaps around doors and windows
- When eating outdoors, check for fire ant nests in the area, and keep food covered until you’re ready to eat.
- Avoid wearing dark colors, floral prints, and loose-fitting garments, as well as floral or sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.
Professional pest control companies like Exclusive Pest can offer you comprehensive plans for managing and preventing infestations, and for removing existing colonies from your property. The most important part of removing a colony is preventing the insects from entering the home, business, or other buildings on the property. In the case of large colonies, it’s best to engage a professional service to prevent injury.