How about the difference between fire ants and termites?
Some forms of winged fire ants are often confused with termites—especially during termite swarm season—but there are recognizable differences. The front pair of wings on ants is larger than the hind pair, while the four wings of termites are approximately the same size. Also, ants have “elbowed” antennae and a “curvy thin waist,” whereas termites generally are single-shaped and their antennae are straight and hair-like.

Where are red imported fire ants from?
In the 1930s, fire ants from South America entered the United States through ports in Mobile, Alabama, probably carried in by soil used for ships’ ballast.

How did they get to where they are today?
By nature, red imported fire ants are aggressive and competitive and thus have been spreading in all directions in the southern areas since the 1950s.

Are they still spreading?
Yes, fire ants are moving west, north, and south, too, and the entire Pacific Coast is fertile ground for infestation. However, the northward spread depends on warm temperatures because cold winters tend to push ants back. Western spread, meanwhile, depends on water because ants seek out a moist climate.

Why do fire ants appear to sting at the same time?
Fire ants are extremely sensitive to vibration and tend to sting when the object they are on moves. The sting of a single ant causes a person to move or jerk quickly and thus triggers many other ants on the person to sting in response, making it appear like a simultaneous action.

Is their sting lethal?
Only to a very small portion of the population who experience severe allergic reactions.

What should I do if I get stung by a fire ant?
Treat stings from fire ants as you would any other insect sting. Keep the area clean and intact to avoid secondary infection. Watch for excess swelling, itching, redness or other symptoms such as shortness of breath, thickening of the tongue, sweating, etc. which could indicate a systemic allergic reaction.

What if I have an allergic reaction?
Seek medical attention immediately.

Can they be eradicated completely?
Using today’s methods, red imported fire ants cannot be eradicated completely but can be eliminated temporarily from small areas with proper control methods.

Can I eliminate them from my yard?
Yes, but no method is permanent. The ants often reinvade with new colonies within a year. Thus, preventative treatment should be maintained even if your yard has no visible mounds.

It’s been dry and I don’t see them. Are they still around? Do I still have to treat?
Heat and drought prevent fire ants from making mounds, but they are still deep in the ground during the daytime and foraging for food at night. During these conditions, they create more of an indoor problem as they go after food and water wherever they can get it. Yes, you should still treat, especially because the ants are already in a weakened state. A late afternoon or evening treatment will work best when ants emerge in the cooler temperature.

Do baits work? Don’t they take long?
Most experts recommend bait over so called "contact insecticides." Properly applied, baits provide the best long term control of fire ants. This is the fastest acting method and normally destroys the colonies in about a week.

What is a broadcast treatment?
Broadcast treatments are bait applications that cover the entire yard using a disk spreader, not just spot treatments of individual mounds.

We tried using those baits, but they don’t seem to work. I’d like to use something safe. What do you recommend?
Bait treatment depends on proper timing, proper rate of application, and on closely following the product directions provided on the label. Apply when ants are actively foraging. Midmorning after the dew has evaporated, or late afternoon when it begins to cool, is the best time to make bait applications at the correct rate.

If I put out the bait, how often should I reapply, and when?
A spring and fall broadcast treatment should be applied with additional individual mound treatments made as often as necessary.

What can I do around the outside of the house?
Treating outdoor colonies will also help control ants inside. A band of insecticide can be applied around the perimeter of your house to provide a barrier against invasions.