{"id":3424,"date":"2023-05-23T05:04:12","date_gmt":"2023-05-22T21:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/?p=3424"},"modified":"2023-09-19T20:10:56","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T12:10:56","slug":"what-are-fire-ants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Fire Ants? Are They Dangerous?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Fire ants are a group of species from the genus <\/strong><strong><em>Solenopsis<\/em><\/strong><strong>. They&#8217;re notorious for their aggressive and territorial behavior. They get their name from the burning sensation caused by their painful stings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants include the invasive species <em>Solenopsis invicta<\/em>. These ants, otherwise known as red imported fire ants, can cause fatal medical issues. They&#8217;re also considered pests as they cause agricultural, structural, and ecological damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll learn more about fire ants as we discuss the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>How to identify fire ants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire ant habitat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire ant habits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are fire ants dangerous?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to stay safe from fire ants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to control fire ants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-are-fire-ants-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"what are fire ants\" class=\"wp-image-3425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-are-fire-ants-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-are-fire-ants-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-are-fire-ants-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-are-fire-ants.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Fire_Ant_Identification\" title=\"Fire Ant Identification\">Fire Ant Identification<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Where_are_Fire_Ants_Found_Fire_Ant_Habitat\" title=\"Where are Fire Ants Found? Fire Ant Habitat\">Where are Fire Ants Found? Fire Ant Habitat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Fire_Ant_Habits\" title=\"Fire Ant Habits\">Fire Ant Habits<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Nesting\" title=\"Nesting\">Nesting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Feeding\" title=\"Feeding\">Feeding<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Colony_Structure\" title=\"Colony Structure\">Colony Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Reproduction\" title=\"Reproduction\">Reproduction<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Are_Fire_Ants_Dangerous\" title=\"Are Fire Ants Dangerous?\">Are Fire Ants Dangerous?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Stings\" title=\"Stings\">Stings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Ecological_Damage\" title=\"Ecological Damage\">Ecological Damage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Agricultural_Damage\" title=\"Agricultural Damage\">Agricultural Damage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Structural_Damage\" title=\"Structural Damage\">Structural Damage<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#How_To_Stay_Safe_From_Fire_Ants\" title=\"How To Stay Safe From Fire Ants?\">How To Stay Safe From Fire Ants?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Treatment\" title=\"Treatment\">Treatment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Fire_Ant_Control\" title=\"Fire Ant Control\">Fire Ant Control<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Baits\" title=\"Baits\">Baits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Insecticides\" title=\"Insecticides\">Insecticides<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Professional_Pest_Control\" title=\"Professional Pest Control\">Professional Pest Control<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-fire-ants\/#Summary_What_are_Fire_Ants\" title=\"Summary: What are Fire Ants?\">Summary: What are Fire Ants?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fire_Ant_Identification\"><\/span>Fire Ant Identification<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants are <strong>small ants<\/strong> that measure around 2\u20136mm long. They can be <strong>reddish-brown to black<\/strong> in color. Their abdomens are usually darker than their heads. They have larger workers than other <em>Solepnosis<\/em> species and have <strong>worker polymorphism<\/strong>. [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.antwiki.org\/wiki\/Fire_Ants\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.antwiki.org\/wiki\/Fire_Ants\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_are_Fire_Ants_Found_Fire_Ant_Habitat\"><\/span>Where are Fire Ants Found? Fire Ant Habitat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most fire ant species are native to the Neotropics. However, human activity has allowed them to <strong>spread throughout the world<\/strong>. They are now well-represented in many regions including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are particularly widespread in the southern United States, where they have become major household and agricultural pests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants can <strong>live in a wide variety of habitats<\/strong>. They\u2019re found in forests, grasslands, and even urban areas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fire_Ant_Habits\"><\/span>Fire Ant Habits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nesting\"><\/span>Nesting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants <strong>nest in the soil<\/strong>. These nests are usually found in sunny open areas like lawns, meadows, pastures, and parks. They can also be next to or under objects like rocks and logs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ant nests are characterized by <strong>visible mounds made of dirt<\/strong>. These mounds can vary in size depending on the colony. They can grow larger than 18 inches in height. Unlike other mounds, fire ant mounds don&#8217;t have openings in the center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Feeding\"><\/span>Feeding<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants are omnivorous. They <strong>eat both plant and animal matter<\/strong>. These include insects, seeds, sap, and nectar. As aggressive predators, they also prey on small animals like reptiles and birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants also tend to plant pests, such as aphids. They form mutualistic relationships with these pests. They offer them protection in exchange for honeydew.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, fire ants also <strong>scavenge on dead animals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Colony_Structure\"><\/span>Colony Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants follow the typical ant colony structure. <strong>They have 3 castes: queens, workers, and drones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These castes each have specific functions. Queens are the only females in the colony capable of laying eggs. Their primary role is to reproduce and maintain the colony&#8217;s population. Fire ant colonies can have 1 or multiple egg-laying queens depending on the species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Workers, on the other hand, are sterile females. They dedicate themselves to helping the queen and her brood. They do everything from finding food and nest maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, drones are produced when the colony needs to expand. Their sole purpose is to mate with virgin queens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See this article to learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/ant-colony-structure\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2516\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ant colony structure<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reproduction\"><\/span>Reproduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Monogynous fire ants generally <strong>reproduce through swarming<\/strong>. At certain times of the year, winged reproductive ants fly out of their nests to swarm. They meet with other ants from different colonies and mate.&nbsp; After mating, the drones die, and the queens land and shed their wings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mated queens then search for a suitable location to start a new colony. Once they find a suitable site, the queen will dig a small hole in the soil and lay a small bunch of eggs. These eggs eventually hatch into her first workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthy and fed fire ant queens eventually lay up to 800 to 1000 eggs per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the flip side, polygynous fire ants often <strong>expand through budding<\/strong>. In this process, they don&#8217;t fly out to swarm but instead, mate close to their nests. These mated queens then take some workers and break away to start new colonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See this article to learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/how-do-ants-reproduce\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2389\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how ants reproduce<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Fire_Ants_Dangerous\"><\/span>Are Fire Ants Dangerous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fire-ant.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2382\" width=\"787\" height=\"558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fire-ant.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fire-ant-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fire-ant-768x545.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 787px) 100vw, 787px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Solenopsis_invicta_-_fire_ant_worker.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Insects Unlocked<\/a>, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, fire ants are dangerous. <strong>They pose a number of threats to humans, pets, wildlife, and agriculture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some dangers of fire ants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stings\"><\/span>Stings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants have painful and potent stings. <strong>These stings can be deadly<\/strong> and lead to allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. They can also cause different symptoms like nausea and dizziness. These stings are particularly deadly for small pets and animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ecological_Damage\"><\/span>Ecological Damage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants are invasive and can cause ecological damage. Their aggressive and competitive behavior can <strong>displace native species in an environment<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, their nesting activities can also <strong>impact soil quality and reduce soil fertility<\/strong>. This then affects plant growth and nutrient cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, they disrupt ecosystem dynamics and negatively affect ecosystem health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Agricultural_Damage\"><\/span>Agricultural Damage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants are also notorious agricultural pests. They indirectly damage crops and plants by <strong>tending to aphids<\/strong> and other pests. They also <strong>damage crops directly by feeding<\/strong> on seeds, seedlings, and plant buds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, their nest-building activities also cause damage to plant roots and soil structures. This further impacts crop growth and yield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all, the economic impact of fire ants on agriculture can be significant. For example, red imported fire ants have been shown to cause damage to crops like cotton. In addition, their stings negatively affect livestock and cause reduced productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Structural_Damage\"><\/span>Structural Damage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants can cause structural damage to buildings and other infrastructure. They often build their nests in walls, insulation, and other hidden spaces.&nbsp; This can <strong>weaken structural integrity<\/strong> and lead to costly repairs. They can also <strong>create electrical hazards<\/strong> as they chew through wires and components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Stay_Safe_From_Fire_Ants\"><\/span>How To Stay Safe From Fire Ants?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Are-Ants-Arthropods-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"Are Ants Arthropods\" class=\"wp-image-2030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Are-Ants-Arthropods-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Are-Ants-Arthropods-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Are-Ants-Arthropods-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Are-Ants-Arthropods.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To stay safe from fire ants, it is important to take some precautions when in areas where they are present. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Wear protective clothing<\/strong> when working or playing outdoors. This includes long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Avoid wearing loose clothing<\/strong>. These may allow fire ants to crawl inside and on your skin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Be cautious when near fire ant mounds.<\/strong> Do not disturb the mounds or stand on them. It&#8217;s also best to keep your pets away from these mounds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Keep food and drinks covered<\/strong> when outdoors to prevent attracting fire ants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use caution when mowing the lawn or trimming vegetation<\/strong>, as this can disturb fire ant nests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment\"><\/span>Treatment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are stung by fire ants,\u00a0you can use the following treatments to reduce pain and discomfort:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Wash the affected area with soap and water<\/strong> to help prevent infection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Apply a cold compress or ice pack<\/strong> to the sting site to help reduce swelling and pain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use over-the-counter pain relievers<\/strong>, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve discomfort.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use topical creams or ointments like hydrocortisone cream<\/strong> to reduce itching and rashes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Antihistamines<\/strong>, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can also help reduce itching.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In case of severe allergic reactions, seek medical attention immediately.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fire_Ant_Control\"><\/span>Fire Ant Control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fire ants can be nasty pests. You do not want them in your home or yard. Here are some methods you can use to control fire ant infestations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Baits\"><\/span>Baits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Baits are insecticides that consist of a <strong>food source laced with a slow-acting poison<\/strong>. The idea is that ants carry these baits back to their nests and feed them to the queen. Should it be successful, they can eliminate entire colonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baits are toxic and should be handled with care. Apply them according to the label instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Insecticides\"><\/span>Insecticides<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Insecticides are chemicals that control insects like ants. They come in many different forms including sprays, dust, and granules. They&#8217;re designed to <strong>kill ants on contact<\/strong>. Hence, they&#8217;re usually applied directly to ant nests.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like baits, insecticides are toxic. So be careful when using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Professional_Pest_Control\"><\/span>Professional Pest Control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For large or persistent fire ant infestations, consider hiring a professional<\/strong>. They will help assess and treat the problem once and for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_What_are_Fire_Ants\"><\/span>Summary: What are Fire Ants?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To summarize, fire ants refer to a group of aggressive species from the genus Selonopsis. These ants are native to the neotropics but have become widespread worldwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re mostly known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. They cause a number of issues including agricultural, structural, and ecological damage. They can also cause fatal medical conditions like allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fire ants are a group of species from the genus Solenopsis. They&#8217;re notorious for their aggressive and territorial behavior. They get their name from the burning sensation caused by their painful stings. Fire ants include the invasive species Solenopsis invicta. These ants, otherwise known as red imported fire ants, can cause fatal medical issues. They&#8217;re&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3425,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3424"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3424"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3701,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3424\/revisions\/3701"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}