Fire Ants

What do fire ants look like?

Fire ants vary in color, depending on the species. Some are reddish with dark abdomens. Some are yellowish with dark abdomens. Some are entirely red. The species we see most are the ants with the yellowish or (golden) hairs that give them yellowish coloration. You’ll have to look closely to see these hairs. 

Species vary from 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch in length, and there is variation within single colonies. This size variation is one way to distinguish fire ants from other ants. 

If you can look at fire ants up close, you’ll see they have two nodes between the thorax and abdomen, but they are not the only ants with this visual trait. 

In most cases, you won’t readily tell fire ants from other ants by looking at them. You’ll know them by their stings, which they inflict with their stingers on the ends of their abdomens.

What do fire ants eat?

These ants eat nearly everything they stumble upon. That makes them omnivores. Here are some foods they prefer:

Insects: They eat both dead and living insects. Their swarming behavior and potent venom allow them to subdue their prey quickly.

Small animals: They are not limited to insects. They can take down centipedes, lizards, mice, and other small animals. They often feed on carrion.

Honeydew: They love this sweet residue procured by aphids and other plant-damaging insects.‍

Fruits: They gather fruit from the ground and have no problem eating rotted fruit.

When fire ants come into yards, they hunt in landscaping for insects, bugs, and small animals and feed on food sources found in trash receptacles. When they get inside, they do the same. They search for sources of carbohydrates and protein in walls, on floors, and in cabinets.

Are fire ants common in Phoenix?

Yes, these ants are plentiful here in the Phoenix area and do well in hot weather. The fire ant species we see most is the Southern fire ant. Although not fully established in Arizona, red imported fire ants are another species to look for.

Do fire ants sting?

Yes, fire ants sting. What’s more, their venom is potent. When these ants swarm an insect or small animal, they quickly subdue it with multiple venom injections.

Are fire ants dangerous?

These are aggressive ants. When they swarm, they can deliver multiple stings. They have a history of taking down elderly, sick, or young cows. They are a serious threat to animals that cannot escape them.

In most cases, fire ants are only a nuisance to humans but can pose a unique threat to individuals with a stinging insect allergy.

Where do fire ants build nests?

These ants prefer to build nests in the sunny areas of lawns, out in the open. You may notice their nests by the mounds they make. There are three facts to keep in mind if you find fire ant mounds:

• These ants create long tunnels near the surface that can go out ten feet from their mounds. When a mound is disturbed, these ants can emerge from behind you and from the mound itself.
• These ants create colonies several feet down, making mound treatments difficult.
• The larger the mound, the larger the colony beneath. 
  

Fire ants will also build nests in gardens, landscaping, and under rocks and logs. Be cautious if you notice their mounds. These ants are social insects. They gather into swarms and protect their nests aggressively.

What attracts fire ants to my yard?

Food and moisture attract fire ants. Yards with high pest populations, nectar, honeydew from aphid infestations, open trash cans, food or food debris left in outdoor living spaces, and even dead animals can attract these pests. 

Overwatered vegetation, poorly irrigated lawns with puddles, oversaturation caused by a damaged sprinkler, kiddie pools, and outdoor pet water bowls attract these insects. 

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of attractants. Use these as a starting point to consider what might attract fire ants to your yard.

How do I know if I have fire ants?

There are three sure-fire ways to tell that you have fire ants in your yard:

• You’ll see their mounds.
• You’ll see these red ants crawling around on the ground.
• You’ll get stung when you get near them.

How do I get rid of fire ants?

If you spot fire ant mounds or these stinging ants in your yard, contact Termio Pest Control for assistance. Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company offers pest control services for homeowners in the Phoenix metro that eliminate and prevent ant infestations.

How can I prevent fire ants in my yard?

Make your yard less appealing to fire ants by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Eliminate food sources
• Reduce moisture
• Seal potential entry points
• Trim bushes, shrubs, and branches
• Avoid piling mulch near the foundation
• Store trash in covered bins