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The Different Types Of Fire Ants

While we all know that fire ants are dangerous, and that their bites are very painful, we might not all be aware that there are two main groups of fire ants in the US: imported and native fire ants. In this article, we’re going to take a look at these two groups and what sets them apart.

Imported fire ants

If you ever come across fire ants on your property, you are likely facing red imported fire ants, or Solenopsis invicta. These fire ants are the most dangerous, and they pose the most serious medical threat due to their sting.

These ants first reached the US in 1933 through the ports of Pensacola and Mobile. Since then, due to their aggressiveness, their powerful sting, few natural predators, high levels of reproduction, and overall hardiness, these fire ants have managed to spread across the country, displacing other ant species and dominating their habitats.

The good news is that there are plenty of control options out there, from toxic baits to natural control methods.

Native fire ants

Native fire ants are not as aggressive as their imported counterparts, but they are still capable of delivering a very painful sting. There are five main groups of native fire ants: native southern fire ants, tropical fire ants, desert fire ants, and little fire ants. Between them, these five groups cover most of the United states, and luckily there are plenty of control options to deal with them as well.

Controlling a fire ant infestation

Whenever you see fire ants, the first thing you should do is keep your distance. It’s hard to tell right away whether you are dealing with the highly aggressive imported fire ants, or with a native species that is less likely to swarm you as soon as you approach the nest.

You then want to look into some control methods that will help you remove the colony. You choose to go with the DIY route, or you can call over a pest control specialist to take care of the infestation for you. If you choose to go with the latter option contact us today and we can set up an appointment. We can also help you out with any questions you may have about the infestation, and you can also check out our blog for more articles on controlling and removing ant infestations.