

Fire ants are not strong fliers but sometimes can fly miles with the wind before landing.

The males die after copulating while the newly mated queens seek out nest sites. New colonies are established after mating flights by female reproductives and males.

In the final molt, female pupae become either adult workers or reproductives. Over the next 1 to 2 weeks, the pupae acquire the reddish-brown pigmentation of adults. Pupae resemble curled-up adults and cannot move. After 7 to 10 days, the eggs hatch into grub-like larvae, and after another 1 to 2 weeks, the larvae molt into a quiescent pupal stage. A mature queen can lay hundreds of eggs each day. The spread of the Red Imported Fire Ant has been linked to commerce, with the ants arriving on trucks, trains, or other vehicles, typically in nursery stock.Īs in all ants, the Red Imported Fire Ant undergoes complete metamorphosis, which consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. In our area, they are rare, and when they do appear, they are more common in Virginia than in Washington DC or Maryland. Red imported fire ants are native to the central part of South America, but have become established in the United States.
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For professional assistance with fire ants, contact us today! If you have a fire ant infestation on your property, there are a number of methods that can be used to control and eliminate these ants. They are known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, and can be a nuisance for homeowners and gardeners. In conclusion, fire ants are a type of stinging insect that can be found in many parts of the world.

It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and use caution when applying any chemical control measures. There are a number of methods that can be used to control fire ants, including the use of bait, dust, and liquid insecticides. If you have a fire ant infestation on your property, it is important to take steps to control and eliminate the ants. They can also damage plants and crops, as they will feed on the roots and stems of young plants. They are also known to feed on nectar and honeydew produced by other insects.įire ants can be a nuisance for homeowners and gardeners, as they are aggressive and will sting when they feel threatened. The nests of fire ants can be recognized by the mounds of soil that they create, which can be as tall as 18 inches.įire ants are omnivorous and will feed on a wide range of foods, including insects, seeds, and even small animals. They build nests in a variety of places, including lawns, gardens, and even inside buildings. They are small insects, typically about 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length, with a distinctive two-segmented body and a narrow waist.įire ants live in large colonies that can contain thousands of ants. These ants are known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, which can be dangerous for people who are allergic to their venom.įire ants get their name from the reddish-brown color of their bodies, as well as the burning sensation that their stings can cause. Fire ants are a type of stinging insect that can be found in many parts of the world, including the southern United States, South America, and Australia.
