Red Imported Fire Ants

 

Red Imported Fire Ants

Red imported fire ants (RIFA, for short) are more aggressive than other ant species and have a painful sting. These ants and their telltale mound nests should be actively avoided. Red imported fire ants can adapt to many climates and conditions in and around their environment. For example, if the colony senses increased water levels in their nests, they will come together and form a huge ball or raft that is able to float on the water!

·   Size: 1/8" to 3/8"

·   Shape: Segmented, oval

·   Color: Dark reddish brown

·   Legs: 6

·   Wings: Varies

·   Antenna: Yes

·   Common Name: Red imported fire ant

·   Kingdom: Animalia

·   Phylum: Arthropoda

·   Class: Insecta

·   Order: Hymenoptera

·   Family: Formicidae

·   Species: Solenopsis invicta

Diet:

They primarily feed on vegetation.

Habitat:

Red imported fire ants will build their nests in mounds of soil outdoors, in landscape areas or near a building’s foundation. They occasionally enter buildings through holes or cracks in walls and foundations.

Impact:

The sting of a red imported fire ant is painful and often results in a raised welt that becomes a white blister. Persons allergic to insect stings will react more severely. They are frustrating, not only because of the physical pain they can inflict, but because their mound-building activity can damage plant roots and lead to loss of crops.

Prevention:

•  Since ants are attracted to moisture, eliminate standing water near the home.
• Cut back plants, including tree branches, that ants may use to reach your property.
• Ants can use cracks and openings to enter the home. Seal any sort of opening around the bottom of your property. 
• Ants will sometimes use building materials and firewood to build nests. Periodically inspect these materials, and if possible, keep them away from the home.