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The red imported fire ant, Solenopis invicta, a native of Southern Brazil, currently inhabits 9 southern states. These areas are currently under quarantine by the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS) regulating the export of certain items that might carry ant infestations to other parts of the country.
Identification
Adult imported fire ants are reddish to dark brown and occur in five forms:
· minor workers, about 1/8 inch
· major workers, about ¼ inch long
· winged males and (4) females ,each about 1/3 inch long
· queens, about 1/3 inch long
Fire ant mounds vary in size, usually in direct proportion to the size of the colony. For example, a mound 2 feet in diameter and 18 inches high may contain about 100,000 workers, several hundred winged adults, and one queen.
Reproduction
During the spring and summer, winged males and females leave the mound and mate in the air. They are capable of flying up to 10 miles from the original mound. After mating, females become queens descend to the ground within much shorter distances. Only a very small percentage survives after landing. Most queens are killed by foraging ants, especially other fire ants. If a queen survives, she sheds her wings, burrows into the ground, and lay eggs to begin a new colony. In the late fall, many small colonies of the fire ants will appear.
Where should I look for Fire Ants?
· Look near pots or any area disturbed ground as well as:
· In newly purchased potted plants on the ground
· In stores of top soil, mulch and potting mixes
· Under landscape materials (logs, stones)
· Under timber or pallets on the ground
· In untidy or overgrown grass
· Near areas of permanent water (banks of dams, rivers, ponds aquaculture containers
What should I do if I get stung and have a reaction?
Stings from fire ants cause a painful, burning and itching sensation that can last for up to a one hour. Apply a cold compress (or ice) as soon as possible to the affected arrears to reduce swelling and relieve the pain. After a few hours (or even a day or two), a small blister can form at the site of each sting. To prevent secondary infection, wash the blister gently with soap and water and be careful not to break the blister. In rare cases, fire ant stings can be lethal to humans. If a severe allergic reaction occurs, please seek immediate medical attention.
ABC Termite & Pest Control, Inc. is licensed in the State of Virginia.
117 S First Colonial Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: 757-422-0409
Fax: 757-422-2124