Red Imported Fire Ant

Natural Habitat

Open areas such as lawns, pastures, and roadsides with dry, sunny conditions; they typically build visible earthen mounds.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; they eat plant matter, seeds, and various invertebrates, including other insects and spiders, and will scavenge dead animals.

Behavior Patterns

Highly aggressive social insects that live in colonies with one or more queens. They are known for swarming and stinging anything that disturbs their mound.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include painful stings that develop into white pustules and may cause allergic reactions. They are invasive pests that damage crops and equipment. Benefits include preying on other agricultural pests like boll weevils.

Identified on: 6/24/2026