Fire Ants
Solenopsis invicta
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Red imported fire ants nest in soil and build mound nests. They can infest garages.
Habits
They will build large mound nests, and will sting humans who come across a nest. Please approach with caution.
Habitat
Fire ants will build their nest mounds outdoors in landscape areas or near a structural foundation. The ant will gain entry to a building through holes or cracks.
Threats
The sting of a red imported fire ant is painful and often results in a raised welt that becomes a white pustule. Often, a person stung by a red imported fire ant receives multiple painful stings from more than one of the ants. Persons allergic to insect stings will react more severely.
Prevention:
Red imported fire ants and their telltale mound nests should be actively avoided. To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices.