Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	Red Imported Fire Ant	Solenopsis Invicta Buren	Insecta	Hymenoptera	Formicidae

	Size:
	Workers are variable in size from about 1/8-1/4 inch long.
	Color:
	Red head and thorax and red/black abdomen with long bristly hairs.
	Where Found:
	Originated in South America, entered the United States through the southern states around 1930, and spread rapidly to 17 southern states. Fire Ants have now spread into California.
	Habitat:
	Typically make dome-shaped mounds in soil that are about 18 inches across and about 8 to 12 inches tall with small holes. Tend to build nests in open, sunlit, grassy areas that are typically irrigated. Sometimes do not build mounds but nest in places such as rotten logs, walls of buildings, or under sidewalks.
	Food:
	Fire ants prefer food with a high protein content but will feed on almost anything, plant or animal. They usually feed on seeds, insects, young tree bark, honeydew and other sweets, preferring oily meats and nuts. Red Imported Fire Ants are particularly destructive to vegetation. Workers forage in established trails.
	Biology:
	Large colony will have 250,000 to 500,000 workers that forage over an area with a radius of more than 100 yards. Lifespan of workers depends upon their size, 30 -180 days. Queens may live 2-6 years. Development from egg to adult takes an average of 38 days.
	Damage:
	One of the worst ant pests in the United States in terms of human health, property damage, and environmental damages. These ants become agitated when nests are disturbed and can quickly climb onto an object or person causing the disturbance and begin stinging. Stings are a serious concern to people and pets. Venom injected into the skin causes a burning sensation.
	Control:
	A thorough inspection should be performed on exterior areas. Typically, this ant makes mounds around the nest opening but can also nest in logs, wall voids or electric supply boxes. This species has large colonies, deep nests and are sensitive to control materials. Because of that, baits work well. Continuous monitoring is recommended and several applications may be necessary throughout the warmer seasons. Injection of liquid materials or dust formulations can be made to visible mounds, but they may fail due to depth of nesting sites. If this ant is found nesting in voids, injection of dust formulation will work. Contacting the insects with the material is essential to control. When using any pesticide, be sure it is registered for the target pest/location. Read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions.