S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Ants » Red Imported Fire Ants:

Red Imported Fire Ants
Solenopsis invicta
Color: Dark reddish brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: 1/8" - 3/8"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: No

Individuals should not attempt to treat fire ant infestations. Fire ants prefer land that is open and exposed to the sun. They are often found in cultivated fields or pastureland. A single lawn may contain a dozen or more mounds. Fire ants can also nest within the walls of homes and businesses and under sidewalks, slabs, and roadways. Fire ants are attracted to electrical currents and will nest in and around heat pumps, junction boxes, traffic lights, and similar devices.

Fire ants pose a serious health risk to any person or animal venturing into areas where these ants have infested. Although the vast majority of stings result only in a raised welt that may develop a white pustule, a person allergic to insect stings could experience a more serious reaction, called anaphylaxis. Additionally, a person seldom receives just one sting. Dozens or even hundreds of stings can be inflicted quickly on a person or animal near a fire ant mound.

Because of the potential health threat posed by fire ants, it is important to control the ants around your home and in your yard.

Red Imported Fire ants can be found in most of the southern United States, if believe you have a fire ant infestation do not attempt to treat it yourself. Fire ants are extremely aggressive when disturbed.

Prevention Outdoors:

Store fire wood away from your home and remove piles of lumber or other decaying wood that could serve as a nesting site for ants.
Keep mulch less than 2" thick and at least 12" away from foundations.
Eliminate sources of moisture such as leaky faucets, plumbing, and free-standing water. Also, make sure that your sprinkler system does not spray directly onto the foundation of your home or business.
You may want to re-landscape. Avoid using plants that are prone to aphids.

Prevention Indoors:

To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.