Fire Ant Control Tips

Fire Ant Fast Facts
Order/Family: Hymenoptera/Formicidae
Scientific Name: Solenopsis spp.
Fire ant workers vary in size ranging from 1⁄16- to 1⁄4-inch long
Coloration is yellow to dark red-brown
Six to eight swarms occur each year which typically contain 4,500 swarmers each
Several species of Solenopsis are called “fire ants” because of the fiery pain their stings inflict upon the vic­tim

Description: The thorax lacks spines, and the petiole has two nodes. Fire ants have a stinger at the tip of the abdomen and 10-segmented antennae, which is tip­ped with a two-segmented club.

Biology: The red imported fire ant single-queen colonies range in size from 80,000-250,000 workers and 30 to 100 mounds per acre. Multi-queen colonies have fewer workers per colony but 200 to 700 mounds per acre. Queens can produce approximately 1,500 eggs per day. The larvae mature into workers in 22 to 38 days. Queens live from two to six years. Males die shortly after swarming.

Habits: Several species of Solenopsis are called “fire ants” because of the fiery pain their stings inflict upon the vic­tim. These ants usually nest within the ground but can develop col­onies within structures, especially in areas near the soil. They are attracted to electrical junction boxes such as air conditioners and traffic signals. When nesting within the soil, they build large, unsightly mounds which are a detriment to cultivation of fields. Some species of fire ants nest in typical ant habitats, such as beneath stones, landscape timbers, within voids and around foundations.

Control: Fire ants can cause problems within structures if the workers are habitually foraging for food within it. By applying barrier sprays or dusts of residual insecticides to the soil and foundations around a building, these areas can be partially protected from ants originating in outdoor mounds. However, this type of treatment is not as effective as treatment of the nest itself.
Nests often require several treatments, especially if they are large and well established. Direct mound injection and drenches can be successfully used to reduce and, in some cases, eliminate the colony. However, baits which contain an insect growth regulator and/or a slow-acting stomach poison are more successful in eliminating colonies. Seven to ten days after the application of an IGR bait, a residual product should be applied to the immediate area in order to kill foraging workers.
Interior areas should be thoroughly treated with residual insecticides, especially in areas where ants appear to be entering or traveling.