Fire Ants
Identification
There are about a ½ dozen different species of fire ants in the U.S. some or native some not. Fire ant workers vary in size from 1/16 to ¼ inch long. They are reddish to dark brown and have hairs over their entire body.
They are two node ants, with a stinger present. They live in colonies ranging in size from 70,000 to 200,000 workers. These are usually single queen colonies but can have more than one.
Biology
They can produce 30 to 100 mounds per acre. The colonies contain white immature ants called brood. The brood is comprised of eggs, larvae and pupae. There are different sizes within the colony called castes. The castes are winged males and female workers of different sizes and one or more mated queens. The younger workers care for the eggs, larva, and pupae. The older workers forage for food which they bring back to the colony. One queen can produce over 2000 eggs per day. Depending on temperature it can only take 20 to 45 days for an egg to develop.
Queens can live up to 5 to 7 years. These ants usually nest in the ground but can develop nests inside structures. They are attracted to air conditioners, electrical boxes, sidewalks, curbs, stumps, firewood, and landscaping stones and timbers. They can gain entry into a structure through weep holes, cracks, plumbing electrical voids, soil, and potted plants. They also can enter through door thresholds and openings around windows. They prefer to feed on protein but will feed on practically everything ranging from grease, plants, seeds, nuts, nectar and meats. They will chew on electrical wiring and damage agricultural crops and equipment.
Damage
Fire ants are a threat to public health and to the health of our environment. Their sting is instant and painful. The following is a list of some of the damages that occur from fire ants:
- Fire ants destroy crops
- They destroy landscaping and plants around homes & structures
- They can kill and mange wildlife
- They can short out electrical devices, landscape lighting, a/c units, electrical boxes, and pumps
- They destroy bird, snake, and chicken eggs.
- They cause unsightly dirt mounds
- They contaminate human food, dog and cat food
- They eat and destroy fruit trees and their fruit
- They have reduced the number of ground nesting birds such as the quail and bob whites
- Their sting can cause serious injury to immune deficiency humans
Fire Ant Stings
Fire ants can sting repeatedly, and may continue and continue to sting until they run out of venom. Before they begin stinging they grip the skin with their jaws to hold on while they rotate their stinger into a position to sting its prey.
When stung the sting will cause blisters, we recommend that these blisters not be broken. Instead wash with soap and water, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling, elevate the affected area, and go to a physician. Some people and children have a serious immune system reaction to insect bites and stings.
Treatment
There are several control techniques ranging from chemical to non-chemical treatments. Chemical treatments include individual mound treatments to broadcast applications over a larger area. Mound treatments consist of injection of liquid chemicals to the mound or drenching of the mound.
Since fire ants are social insects its important to use slow kill insecticides or baits. Bait applications can be very successful but sometimes require at least 1 to 2 weeks for results. Granular or liquid baits work very good as workers will carry the slow kill baits back to the colony and infest the colony. We have had very good results with Termidor, a liquid bait. It attaches itself to the fire ants and they transfer it through out the colony as the ants, groom, feed, and bump into each other.
As with any insects fire ants spend most of their time searching for food. This sometimes will cause them to enter a structure to forage. If possible it is best to reduce their population by making sure that outdoor trash cans be emptied on a regular basis. Also keep exteriors clean and free of any debris. Keep the soil lowered on the exterior of the slab at least 3 to 4 inches below the brick ledge. Check the thresholds of doors to make sure they are properly sealed. Look around the windows for any cracks or gaps, they may need to be caulked. Check all plumbing and electrical voids to make sure they are sealed. Keep fire wood away from the home and try to remove all stumps around the home.
Interior treatments may consist of residual insecticides sprayed around the doors and windows for control. Some ants will require a bait treatment, others may require a void or crack treatment and others may need a residual chemical application.
At RP Lee Termite & Pest Control we believe the inspection and identification of the ant is the most important aspect to developing a treatment plan. Call us today if you have any questions are would like a free inspection.
