How Did the Red Imported Fire Ant Get to the United States?

Red imported fire ants or RIFAs originated in South America. It’s believed that they arrived in the southern United States around the 1930’s on ships from South America. They expanded quickly and now occupy 13 U.S. states. This species of ants can be introduced into a new area in potted plants shrubs and trees.

Are Red Imported Fire Ants Aggressive?

Red imported fire ants are dark reddish in color with a darker abdomen. They are very small but extremely aggressive. If you happen to disturb a mound, the workers will race to the surface and run up whatever body part has disturbed them and begin stinging. These are well coordinated attacks that can number in the dozens or even thousands of workers stinging in unison. Colonies of RIFAs can contain 100,000 up to 500,000 ants. The mounds are made of excavated soil and are wider than a dinner plate. They are oval shaped like a mountain cone and can be 4” to 24” tall. They will typically nest in soil around structural foundations or landscaping. They are usually found outside but can get into structures through HVAC systems.

Swelling & Other Fire Ant Bite Symptoms

In the United States, five million people are stung by RIFAs and about 25,000 of these require medical help. When they sting, they inject an alkaloid venom. This can cause burning and itching that can last for an hour followed by a blister that turns into a pustule. These stings are painful, and the intense itch can cause these pustules to break open, leading to secondary bacterial infections and permanent scars. If you have allergies to insect stings you may have a more severe reaction to the stings of red imported fire ants.

Red Imported Fire Ant Prevention

Red imported fire ant colonies can be highly destructive. Their high numbers and aggressiveness allow them to dominate areas at a time. Without natural enemies, their populations can explode. Billions of dollars are spent every year to repair damage caused by RIFAs because they can damage electrical equipment. The telltale sign you’re dealing with RIFAs are the mound nests you will notice. To avoid getting stung by these ants you should avoid these mounds and seal any cracks and crevices they may use to get into your home. Prevention is better than trying to get rid of an infestation. However, red imported fire ants are difficult to control because the colonies get so large and can cover a large area of ground. These colonies will often times have more than one queen, so the colony can easily recover. There isn’t one best method to control red imported fire ants, especially in large areas.

Ant Control

Red imported fire ants can be a dangerous to humans and pets. It may be impossible to eliminate them completely if you live in fire ant territory but there are definately ways you can control them. It’s best to hire professionals when you discover you’re dealing with these pests. Professionals know the best way to control them. Contact Eagle Pest Services to provide you with a thorough termite inspection and a plan so you won’t have to deal with them anymore.