What are Fire Ants?

Fire ants are aggressive ants known for their painful stings and ability to build large colonies. They are reddish-brown with darker abdomens and usually measure between 2 to 6 millimeters in length. Unlike many ant species, fire ants are highly territorial and will attack in large numbers when their nest is disturbed. They build visible mound-shaped nests outdoors in lawns, gardens, parks, and agricultural fields, but they can also invade buildings when searching for food or water.

Signs of Fire Ant Infestation

• Large dome-shaped mounds in soil, often without a visible entrance hole on top
• Aggressive swarming behavior when nests are disturbed
• Painful stings that cause burning, itching, and pustule-like blisters on the skin
• Trails of reddish-brown ants moving in and out of nesting areas
• Ant activity around electrical equipment or outdoor structures, where they sometimes nest

Why They are a Problem

Fire ants are not only a nuisance but also a health and safety risk. Their stings inject venom that causes painful welts and allergic reactions in some people. Pets and livestock can also suffer injuries from repeated stings. Large colonies can damage lawns, gardens, and agricultural land by disturbing soil and feeding on plants. Fire ants have also been known to damage electrical wiring and equipment by nesting inside. Their aggressive nature makes them one of the most dangerous ants to encounter around homes and businesses.

Where Do They Come From?

Fire ants typically nest outdoors in open sunny areas such as lawns, fields, and along sidewalks or driveways. They can enter homes and buildings through small cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors, or utility lines in search of food and moisture. Their colonies thrive in warm climates, and once established, they can expand rapidly, creating multiple mounds in a single yard. Heavy rainfall or flooding can also cause fire ants to move indoors or relocate their colonies.

How to Get Rid of Fire Ants at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of fire ants, keep in mind that these pests are difficult to eliminate without professional help. However, you can take safe steps to reduce their activity:

• Use fire ant bait products specifically designed to be carried back to the colony
• Pour boiling water directly into the mound to kill part of the colony (caution is required)
• Keep food sealed and outdoor eating areas clean to reduce attractants
• Seal cracks and gaps around foundations and utility lines to limit entry points
• Wear protective clothing and gloves when working near suspected mounds

These steps may temporarily reduce fire ant numbers, but because colonies often contain multiple queens, complete elimination is unlikely without professional treatment.

Fire Ants vs Regular Ants

Many homeowners search for fire ants vs regular ants to understand the difference. Key distinctions include:

• Fire ants are reddish-brown, while many common ants are black or dark brown
• Fire ants build large dome-shaped mounds, while most other ant species create smaller nests with visible entrance holes
• Fire ants sting and inject venom, while most regular ants only bite without causing severe pain

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we specialize in eliminating fire ants using professional-grade methods that target the entire colony, including the queens. Our treatments are safe, effective, and designed to stop colonies from spreading. We also help identify risk areas around your property and provide long-term prevention strategies to keep fire ants from returning. With our expertise, you can protect your home, family, pets, and business from the dangers of fire ants.