Red Imported Fire Ant

Life Cycle

Color: Reddish brown, darker abdomen
Size: Workers about 2.4–6 mm
Key Markings: Different-sized workers
Activity: Defends disturbed colonies
Common Areas: Lawns, soil, landscape beds

Description

Solenopsis invicta

Red imported fire ants build soil nests and forage for a variety of foods, including insects. A colony contains workers of different sizes. Mounds may be noticeable after rain, but a nest is not always obvious. Their development includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Ants develop through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Workers support the developing colony; visible foragers are only part of it.

What Attracts Them?

Open soil and landscaped areas
Insects and other food sources
Favorable nesting conditions

How Do They Get Inside?

Foraging across foundations
Openings near ground level
Infested soil or plant materials

Signs of an Infestation

Soil mounds in open areas

Many ants responding to disturbance

Workers of different sizes

Repeated activity near lawn edges

How Serious or Harmful Are They?

Fire ants can sting repeatedly when their colony is disturbed. Keep children and pets away from active mounds. Stings can cause serious allergic reactions; seek urgent medical help for a severe reaction.

Treatment / How to Get Rid of Them

What You Can Do

Keep people and pets away from active mounds
Avoid disturbing or testing a nest
Record mound locations for inspection
Discuss a colony-based management plan

How Pest Guys Helps

The A-C-T Process: Assess. Communicate. Treat.

Assess — We inspect your property, identify pests and activity, locate nesting and hiding areas, and find contributing conditions.

Communicate — We explain our findings, discuss the recommended plan, answer your questions, and confirm understanding and agreement.

Treat — We put the agreed plan into action, perform the initial treatment, provide ongoing service, and monitor results to adjust as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for first?

Different-sized workers. Soil mounds in open areas. A clear photograph and the location of activity can help with identification.

What conditions should I check?

Start with open soil and landscaped areas. Keep people and pets away from active mounds.

Does seeing one mean there is an infestation?

A single sighting does not establish the extent of a problem. Repeated activity, developing young, nests, or other evidence help us determine what is happening.

How does Pest Guys decide what to do?

We use A-C-T: Assess, Communicate, Treat. The pest, its location, and the conditions at your home guide the recommendation. We explain the plan and any preparation needed before service.