Fire Ant Facts

Fire Ant Specialists has some interesting fire ant facts to share. With over 30 years of experience treating fire ants, we have learned a few things. Perhaps you have wondered some of these things yourself? Check out these interesting tidbits: 

1. They Are Invasive

Did you think these pests were native to the United States? They are not. Imported Red fire ants actually originated in South America, making their way to the U.S. in the early 1930s, likely through the Port of Mobile. Today, their dominance across the Southeast is so widespread that it’s easy to assume they have always been a part of the ecosystem.

2. Humongous Colony Sizes

While many colonies are home to tens of thousands of fire ants– a massive quantity–some grow to house hundreds of thousands. This explosive growth can occur when colonies are left untreated, thanks to the queens’ extraordinary reproductive abilities. 

3. Intricate Tunnels Systems

Don’t let their ⅛-⅜ inch tunnel size fool you; these ants build elaborate tunnel systems extending up to 30 feet. These tunnels serve as highways for transporting food and as nurseries for their young. The mounds you see above ground only contain a fraction of a colony’s ants, which is why DIY methods, like boiling water, won’t do substantial damage. They only eliminate the surface workers, leaving the queen untouched and able to produce replacements quickly.

4. As Mean As Can Be

People often talk about the aggression of hornets or yellow jackets, but fire ants are just as fierce. They swarm in large numbers at the slightest threat and are highly reactive and easily provoked. When attacking, fire ants use their strong jaws to hold onto their victims as they repeatedly sting. These tiny pests are incredibly aggressive, so seeking help from fire ant specialists as soon as you notice them is important. 

5. They Float

Do you think flooding fire ants out of their space is an effective way to get rid of them? Think again. Fire ants can float, clinging together like Cirque du Soleil performers to create a massive island of ant bodies. They can even form short chains to transport larvae to dry land and ensure they are born. Resiliency is the fire ants’ middle name.

6. Queens Reign Supreme

The goal of an entire fire ant colony is to protect their queen. Queens live significantly longer than individual workers, and they are all programmed to ensure she does just that. A queen fire ant can live for up to six years, while workers are lucky to make it six weeks. With the ability to lay over 1500 eggs per day, queens do not have to worry about running out of servants. In just one month, a single infestation can result in nearly 50,000 ants on your property–all thanks to the queens’ incredible reproductive capabilities. 

7. A Single Natural Predator

Nearly every creature avoids fire ants, but there’s one exception: the phorid fly. This tiny insect is the only known predator of fire ants, and its method is both fascinating and gruesome. The female phorid fly lays eggs in fire ants’ thoraxes, and when the larvae hatch, they migrate to the ants’ heads, eventually killing them. 

Nature may have its own way of dealing with fire ants, but there’s a far more effective and hassle-free solution: Fire Ant Specialists. As your trusted source for fire ant facts, prevention, and control, we are here to help! Click here or call 352-291-2687 to schedule an appointment or request an estimate.