Fire Ant Facts and Information

Fire ant mounds signal established colonies. These are the only visible part of a nest and used to relocate the queen and young during cold or wet days. They can be very hard and are, also, constructed when nesting indoors.

Black fire ants immigrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century. These ants cause crop damage and are all-around pests in the South. Their bites can be harmful. They’ve been displaced in many areas by the red fire ant.

Red fire ants are aggressive. They were imported to the U.S. in the 1930s and haven’t stopped spreading. These are ground nesting ants with a strong bite and potent sting. The venom can cause allergic reactions in humans.

Fire ant nests are subterranean. They will build mounds on top as refuge for the queen. It captures sun light, so wet or cooler days they can keep her warm. Mounds can grow very big. Some are known to damage farm equipment.

Fire ants are expert tunnelers. Mounds form from dirt removal below ground and are often located against building foundations. Workers use mounds to warm the queen on sunny days when cold and escape a wet underground in rain.

Imported fire ants have a significant impact domestically. There is the black and red imported fire ants. Red imported fire ants are most aggressive. They continue to alter ecosystems and expand their reach to this day.