Red Imported Fire Ants

Solenopsis invicta
Pest Stats
Color: Dark reddish brown
Legs: 6
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: 1/8-3/8
Antennae: Yes
Region: Southern United States, from Maryland to Texas, California and New Mexico
Download the Red Imported Fire Ant Pest I.D. Card

Red imported fire ants nest in soil and build mound nests. They can infest garages.

Habits

These red ants will build large mound nests, and will sting humans who come across a nest.



Habitat

Red imported fire ants will build their nest mounds outdoors in landscape areas or near a structural foundation. The fire ant will gain entry to a building through holes or cracks.



Threats

The sting of a red imported fire ant is painful and often results in a raised welt that becomes a white pustule. Often, a person stung by a red imported fire ant receives multiple painful stings from more than one of the ants. Persons allergic to insect stings will react more severely.