Red Imported Fire Ant (Image depicts the characteristic sting pustule caused by the ant)

Open sunny areas such as lawns, pastures, parks, and roadsides; they build distinctive soil mounds but can also nest in rotting logs or under pavement.

Omnivorous; they feed on a wide variety of foods including other insects, sugary plant secretions, seeds, and oils.

Highly aggressive when their mound is disturbed; they swarm quickly and crawl up vertical surfaces. A single ant will bite to anchor itself and then sting repeatedly in a circle.

Risks: Their venom causes a burning sensation and typically results in the formation of a sterile white pustule (blister) on the skin approximately 24 hours later, as seen in the image. They can also cause anaphylactic shock in allergic individuals. Benefits: They are effective predators of agricultural pests like ticks, boll weevils, and caterpillars.