Red Imported Fire Ants: Florida’s Growing Threat

Feature

Details

Biological Name

Solenopsis invicta

Common Name

Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA)

Actual Size

1/8 to 1/4 inch (3–6 mm)

Color

Reddish-brown with a darker abdomen

Legs

6

Antennae

10 segments; two-segmented club

Wings

Only reproductive swarmers (queens and males)

Colony Size

Tens of thousands; often with multiple queens (polygyne colonies)

Habitat

Lawns, gardens, under pavement, near electrical boxes, disturbed soil

Indoor Nesting

Rare but possible during extreme heat or flooding; often in wall voids

Nesting Traits

Dome-shaped mounds without visible entry holes, up to 18 inches tall

Movement Pattern

Fast, aggressive, swarm rapidly when disturbed

Diet Preferences

Sugars, proteins, insects, seeds, greasy food, and honeydew

Distinctive Signs

Raised mounds in soil, aggressive swarming, painful stings, pustule formation

DIY Resistance

High; colonies relocate if disturbed or treated incorrectly

Threat Level

High; stings may cause allergic reactions, damage to equipment, risk to pets

 

Red Imported Fire Ants in Florida (General Overview)

Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are one of Florida’s most aggressive invasive pests.

Originally from South America, they’ve spread rapidly across the Southeastern U.S., thriving in Florida’s warm, humid climate. These ants are notorious for their painful stings, which can cause burning, itching pustules and, in some people, severe allergic reactions.

They build dome-shaped mounds in lawns, gardens, and even electrical boxes.

These mounds may appear overnight and often have no visible entry point. Colonies are large and fast-growing, often with multiple queens, making them difficult to eliminate.

Fire ants attack quickly when disturbed and often swarm in large numbers. Besides posing risks to people and pets, they damage crops, short electrical systems, and displace native species. Indoor invasions can happen during floods or droughts when ants seek shelter.

Because of their resilience and aggressive nature, red imported fire ants are a genuine threat to health, property, and safety. Early identification and swift action are key.

How to Identify a Red Imported Fire Ant Infestation

Identifying a red imported fire ant infestation starts with spotting their signature mounds, dome-shaped piles of soil with no visible opening, often found in sunny lawns, parks, or near sidewalks.

Disturb one, and hundreds of aggressive ants rush out.

The ants themselves are reddish-brown with darker abdomens. Their rapid, swarming movement when disturbed is a major giveaway. Stings result in painful welts and pustules, a common sign you’re dealing with RIFAs.

Indoors, infestations are rare but can happen during droughts or after heavy rain. Look for trails near electrical outlets, HVAC systems, or around pet food. Sudden stings while gardening or barefoot in the yard are also a red flag.

Because of their small size, they’re often mistaken for other ants.

Misidentifying them leads to ineffective treatment. If you see persistent soil mounds and aggressive ant activity, assume it’s RIFA, and act fast. Professional identification can confirm it and help stop the colony before it spreads.

Behavior, Threats & Precautions Around Children, Pets, and Homeowners

Red imported fire ants are fast-moving, aggressive, and highly territorial.

When their mound is disturbed, they swarm with intensity, climbing and stinging in seconds. Their venom causes painful pustules and, in some individuals, serious allergic reactions, making them especially dangerous for children and pets playing outdoors.

Their nests often go unnoticed until someone is stung.

Mounds can form near playgrounds, walkways, pet bowls, and even electrical boxes. Curious pets are frequent victims, especially dogs digging or sniffing near infested soil. Small children are also at risk, particularly when barefoot in the yard.

Indoors, fire ants may invade during periods of drought or flooding, posing additional risk to infants and elderly individuals.

To reduce danger, keep lawns trimmed and check for mounds after rain. Avoid disturbing suspected nests. For pet owners, choose baiting products labeled as pet-safe and avoid using chemical sprays near feeding zones.

Fire ants are not just a backyard nuisance.

They can kill newborn livestock, short out electrical systems, and in rare cases, even cause fatal anaphylaxis in humans. Their threat is real, and ignoring an infestation can lead to costly and dangerous consequences.

Why Red Imported Fire Ants Are a Serious Issue and Why You Should Call Professionals

Red imported fire ants are a widespread hazard across Florida.

With colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands and reproduce rapidly, these ants can take over entire lawns, invade homes, and injure both people and pets.

DIY efforts often backfire. Many homeowners mistakenly pour bait directly on mounds, triggering the ants to scatter and form new nests. Others use sprays that only kill visible workers, leaving queens untouched underground.

Meanwhile, the infestation continues to grow, often out of sight.

Here’s why fire ants demand professional intervention:

  • Store-bought treatments rarely eliminate the queen

  • Colonies relocate or split under stress

  • Aggressive swarming leads to stings and injuries

  • Pets and small children are especially at risk

  • Nesting ants can damage electrical wiring and irrigation systems

Fire ants also cause real damage. Their venom can hospitalize allergic individuals, and their nesting habits ruin turf, gardens, and even electrical equipment.

Professionals target entire ant colonies using field-tested strategies that are safe for homes, pets, and families.

Hoffer Pest Solutions has over 40 years of experience protecting Florida families from invasive pests like fire ants.

If you’re serious about keeping your home and loved ones safe, we’re just a call away.

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