IDENTIFICATION
What are red imported fire ants? What makes them different from native ants?
Red imported fire ants are mediumsized ants that build mounds of soft soil rarely larger
than 18" in diameter. The ants emerge out aggressively when they are disturbed and
sting. Their sting usually leaves a white pustule the next day. Harvester ants are much
larger and make large bare areas with a single entrance hole to the colony. Leaf cutter
ants are also much larger and do not have a distinctive builtup mound, but do have many
entrance holes over a very large area. Other small to mediumsized ants that build
small mounds will actually run away from disturbances and aren't fire ants.
Can I tell the difference between them and native fire ants? How large are
they?
Some confusion comes from the fact that red imported fire ants come in a variety of sizes
(1/16 to almost 1/4 inch long) with the largest workers 2 or 3 times larger than the
smallest. Native fire ants are less common in imported fire ant infested areas. Solenopsis
geminata is the most common native fire ant species encountered. To the unaided eye, they
are almost identical to red imported fire ants. However, geminata will have a few larger
workers with large, squareshaped heads. These ants specialize in collecting and milling
seeds.
What is the difference between singlequeen and multiplequeen forms of the
red imported fire ant?
Singlequeen (monogyne form): only one queen per colony or mound; slightly larger
workers; members of colonies are territorial; mound densities usually 2080 mounds per
acre; fewer ants per acre. Multiplequeen (polygyne form): dozens of queens per colony;
smaller average worker ants; colonies are interconnected; mound densities 100 to 1,000+
per acre; more ants per acre.
How can I tell the difference between fire ants and termites?
Although most ants are recognizable, some forms of winged ants are often confused with
termites, especially during the termite swarming season. The front pair of wings on ants
are larger than the hind pair, while the four wings of termites are approximately the same
size. Ants have "elbowed" antennae and a "thin waist," being narrow
between the thorax and hind abdominal segments. Termites have the thorax and abdomen
broadly connected and their antennae are straight and hairlike.
What are carpenter ants and how do I control them?
Carpenter ants are usually larger than most other houseinfesting
ants. They vary in color from a dull black or reddishyellow
color to a combination of black and dull red or reddishorange.
Worker ants range in size from 5/16 to 7/16 inches long. Carpenter
ants tunnel into wood to form nest galleries. If they go unnoticed
for several years, they may cause structural damage. Outdoors,
the ants use dead trees or tree limbs, stumps, logs or areas
under stones as nesting sites. Once the carpenter ant nest has
been located, control is relatively easy. Treatment options
include use of a bait or residual contact insecticide applied
as a dust or spray to the nest. Read and follow the product
label for best results. It may be necessary to drill small holes
in the wall voids, baseboards, window and door sills to reach
the nest or major part of the colony. Nests can also be removed
and infested wood replaced, if feasible.
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