Fire Ants
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Native to central South America, red imported fire ants are established in the U.S. and Australia. Its sting is 95% alkaloid venom, which causes both the pain and white pustule that appears about a day after the sting occurs. In urban settings, they may nest under patio slabs, in lawns, under edges of sidewalks, foundations, concrete driveways, and electrical boxes. After a heavy rain, the colony may move to higher ground or inside homes to take refuge from saturated soil. They also reduce ground-nesting populations of rodents and birds.
Publications
Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae)
Laura Collins and Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
Fire Ants Management in Industrial Hemp
Nkem J. Nwosu, Hardeep Singh, Zachary Brym, Lakesh Sharma, Ethan Carter, Alexandra M. Revynthi, and Lance Osborne
This publication highlights the presence, damage, and management of imported fire ants in industrial hemp production. This UF/IFAS Extension publication offers practical knowledge to researchers, Extension agents, growers, crop consultants, agricultural professionals, and students on the effects and management of imported fire ants in industrial hemp production. Written by Nkem J. Nwosu, Hardeep Singh, Zachary Brym, Lakesh Sharma, Ethan Carter, Alexandra M. Revynthi, and Lance Osborne, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2024.
Managing Imported Fire Ants in Urban Areas
Other Contacts: Johnalyn Gordon
This publication is updated quarterly. For the most current version of this document, refer to the version posted on the Imported Fire Ants site, https://ant-pests.extension.org/managing-imported-fire-ants-in-urban-areas/. This document provides comprehensive guidelines for managing imported fire ants in urban areas. It covers the identification of fire ant species, the impact of their stings, and various control methods including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. The article emphasizes the use of both non-chemical and chemical treatments, highlighting the importance of community-wide efforts for effective suppression. It also discusses the USDA quarantine program to prevent the spread of fire ants through regulated articles and offers detailed instructions for treating fire ant infestations in different environments, such as lawns, gardens, and electrical equipment. Original publication date February 1991.