FIRE ANTS

Identification, Facts, & Control

Latin Name

California:Solenopsis xyloni Imported:Solenopsis invicta

Appearance

Formicidae_Solenopsis_invicta by Hugo A. Quintero G. from Medellin, Colombia [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)] California Fire Ant: The workers have 2 sizes 1/4" and 1/8". Thorax: yellowish red Abdomen: dark brown
Red Imported Fire Ant: 1/16" to 1/4"

California Fire Ant - It is the same species as the "Southern fire ant," but not as vicious. It will both bite and sting at the slightest provocation. It is very competitive and will displace other ants. In turn, it is often driven away by the Argentine ant and is rarely found in close proximity to the Argentine ant. Sometimes they nest indoors. The workers are polymorphic (2 sizes: 1/4" and 1/8"). The head and thorax are yellowish red to dark yellowish brown, and the back end of the abdomen is darker brown to blackish. The nest of the fire ant consists of a mound in the soil that resembles a mini volcano.

The Red Imported Fire Ant also known as RIFA is 1/16" to 1/4" in length and has a mandible with three distinct teeth and two nodes. They are far more aggressive than other ants. People, often get stung by them by accidently stepping on a mound, this causes the ants to climb up the legs and attack in unison. The first ant that attacks releases pheromones to alert the whole colony of fire ants to attack.

Control of the Fire Ant:
  • Since Fire Ants don't tend to forage in trails it is best to focus on finding and treating the nest.
  • Dusts, granules and sprays around the entrance holes of the mound are the easiest to apply. Dusts should be used with caution since they may be blown where not desired.
  • Fumigation of the areas where the nests are located is possible if permitted by the label, but would require care for the surrounding vegetation, as well as the workers.

Click on a species of ants below to learn further information.