Red Imported Fire Ants

When we speak of “fire” ants, we generally are speaking of one particular kind, and this is the one called Red Imported Fire Ants, usually abbreviated as RIFA. These fire ants were given this catchy little name because when they sting there is an absolute instant, intense, burning pain that is associated with the injected venom. Of all the species of fire ants in the United States, RIFA is, without a doubt, the absolute worst, and it presents a distinct threat to our public health and the health of the environment. How, you ask? Well read on.

There is about a half a dozen different species of these fire ants in the U.S. Some of which are native species, such as the ol Southern Fire Ant, which occurs throughout the southern states and into California. While they can sting people, and it hurts a lot, they are not nearly the threat of RIFA. These native species have smaller colonies, they are not quite as aggressive, and they have evolved to fit properly into their native environment. It is the Red imported Fire Ant that has invaded new territory, and it came without any natural controls to keep its numbers low and to keep it from spreading.

Fire ants in general can be identified by a couple of visible features. First, they are “two bump” ants, and this refers to the fact that on the thin waist between their thorax and abdomen you can easily see two very small enlarged sections. Most of the common, non stinging, house invading black ants have only one “bump” at that point. Fire ants are a dark red with somewhat blackish abdomens, and over their entire body they have long, bristly hairs. You’ll need a good magnifying glass to see these various things. Call your local pest control operator for any additional help, supplies or services. He will be more than happy to assist you.