Quick Red Imported Fire Ant ID Summary
Red imported fire ants are reddish-brown, very aggressive ants that build raised mounds of excavated soil in warm, sunny areas like lawns, fields, around trees, and along sidewalk cracks. If the mound is disturbed, they swarm quickly and can sting repeatedly. The stings cause a burning sensation and often itchy bumps that can turn into white, fluid-filled pustules within a day or two. In Virginia, you may also encounter hybrid imported fire ants, which can look darker but behave similarly.
- Body Size: 1 – 5 mm
- Common Characteristics: Reddish Yellow but sometimes black to reddish brown.
- Number of Legs: 6
- Wings: Male and Female reproductive ants have wings.
- Habitat: Come from tropical regions and introduced to the United States. Located main in Virginia’s Tidewater Region. Will nest in any type of soil and prefer open, sunny areas such as pastures, parks, lawns, meadows, and fields.
Introduction to the Red Imported Fire Ant
Fire ants have been in Virginia since the year 1989. At the time of this article, the red imported fire ant is mainly located in Virginia’s Tidewater Region. However, they are spreading further across southeast and central Virginia, reaching Dinwiddie. The ants originated in South America and were introduced to the United States through ships in the 1930s (the exact date and manner is unknown). This ant species has a similar social structure to other ant species in Virginia, but in addition to stinging humans, they have been known to kill small animals.
Red Imported Fire Ant Behavior And Habitat
Red Imported Fire Ants form colonies through swarming. This is when one or more winged and mated females (queens) find a nesting site, shed their wings, and begin digging underground to lay eggs. These colonies rapidly grow and can have 10,000 or more workers within a year. If the nest lasts for 3 years, the colony can soar to over 500,000 ants. As the workers excavate tunnels, they bring soil to the surface, forming an ant mound. These mounds can reach 12 inches in diameter. Red Imported Fire Ants are unlike many other ant species in Virginia because they do not like wooded areas and trees. This ant species likes open areas with sunlight. You will usually find colonies in open fields and yards without shade.
Red Imported Fire Ant Dangers And Damage
Red Invasive Fire Ants are considered an invasive and highly aggressive species. They are routinely known to attack small animals including pets, wildlife, and poultry, which can disrupt the natural ecosystem. The sting is noxious and produces a pustule on the skin that can leave scars. When the colony is threatened, they swarm the victim, stinging them over and over. This behavior is unique to their species and not found among other ants. These ants are spreading through Virginia and if you believe you have fire ants, you need to contact a pest professional.
Think You Might Have Fire Ants?
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