Fire Ant Overview & Quick Facts
Keep ants out of your home or business with
effective identification and control strategies.
A Closer Look at Fire Ants
Fire ants are small but fierce stinging insects that can quickly swarm and sting anyone who disturbs their mound. Originally from South America, they are now common across the southern U.S., including Florida, where they thrive in warm, sunny environments.
🐜 What Do Fire Ants Look Like?
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Color: Reddish-brown body with a darker abdomen
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Size: Workers range from 1/8 to 1/4 inch long
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Key features:
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Elbowed antennae
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Two-segmented waist (petiole)
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Aggressive behavior when disturbed
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They are often confused with other red ants, but their painful sting and aggressive swarming behavior make them stand out.
🌍 Where Do Fire Ants Live?
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Nests: Large mounds of loose soil (often dome-shaped), usually in:
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Lawns and fields
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Sidewalk cracks
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Near electrical boxes
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Under logs or rocks
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Fire ant mounds can reach 12 inches tall and have no central opening—they enter and exit through underground tunnels.
⚠️ Why Are Fire Ants a Problem?
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Painful stings that burn and can form pus-filled blisters
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Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
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Harmful to pets, wildlife, and even electrical equipment
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Damage to crops, lawns, and landscaping
Fire ants attack in groups, and each ant can sting multiple times.
🍽️ What Do Fire Ants Eat?
Fire ants are omnivores and scavengers. They feed on:
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Insects and arthropods
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Sugary substances like nectar or spilled food
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Greasy or protein-rich foods
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Dead animals or garbage
They are particularly attracted to pet food left outside.
🧠 Fun Fact!
A fire ant colony can contain over 200,000 ants, and when flooding occurs, the colony will form a living raft to float to safety—complete with a queen and brood protected in the center!
Frequently Asked Questions
About Fire Ants
What are Fire Ants?
Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are aggressive, stinging ants known for their painful bites and large colony sizes. They build dome-shaped mounds and attack in swarms when disturbed.
Why are they called "Fire" ants?
They get their name from the burning, fiery sensation their sting causes. Fire ant stings can leave itchy, red welts and even pus-filled blisters.
Where are Fire Ants found?
Fire ants are common in:
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Southern U.S., especially Florida, Texas, and Georgia
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Lawns, parks, pastures, and gardens
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Sunny, open areas with moist soil
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Near electrical equipment, such as utility boxes and air conditioning units
How do I identify a Fire Ant mound?
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Mounds are large (up to 12 inches tall) and made of loose, fluffy soil
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No central hole like other ant mounds
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Disturbing a mound triggers rapid swarming from underground tunnels
What do Fire Ants eat?
Fire ants are omnivorous and will eat:
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Dead insects and small animals
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Sugary foods, like nectar or soda
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Proteins, including pet food or grease
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Seeds and plant material
They’re scavengers that forage both day and night.
Do Fire Ants sting or bite?
They do both:
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First, they bite to anchor themselves
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Then, they sting multiple times, injecting venom that causes pain, swelling, and pustules
Some people may experience allergic reactions to the venom.
Are Fire Ants dangerous?
Yes, especially because:
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They sting in groups
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They can cause allergic reactions
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They may harm children, pets, and wildlife
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They can damage electrical systems and outdoor equipment
How do I get rid of Fire Ants?
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Apply ant baits around the mound—ants carry it back to the colony
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Use non-repellent insecticides
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Avoid disturbing the mound before treatment
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For large infestations, professional pest control is recommended
Struggling with ants in your home, yard, or business? Hannan Environmental Services offers expert ant control and prevention throughout South Florida. Our trained technicians provide safe, effective, and long-lasting solutions to keep your home pest-free. Contact us today for reliable service you can trust! Feel free to also reach out to Hannan Environmental Services on Facebook!