FIRE ANTS

Red imported fire ants have spread rapidly throughout much of the South, and are expanding across North Carolina. Although the stings of these ants are not fatal for most people, they are painful. Within 24 hrs after being stung, a pustule-like sore forms at each sting site,often itching intensely. Scratching may lead to secondary infection and scarring. A small proportion of people are highly allergic to fire ant stings and require immediate medical attention. Fire ants may be encountered indoors and outdoors. The ants build unsightly mounds that interfere with lawnmowers and agricultural machinery.

The red portions of the map below are quarantine areas in North Carolina. Movement of plants, sod, and equipment used in the soil of quarantined areas is restricted in effort to prevent carrying fire ants to other parts of the country.

Adult fire ants are reddish to dark brown. The "minor" workers are about 1/8 inch long, and "major" workers are about 1/4 inch long. Fire ant mounds constructed in clay soils are usually symmetrical and dome-shaped; mounds built in sandy soils may be irregularly shaped. It is often difficult to distinguish the red imported fire ant from the tropical fire ant and the southern fire ant, which are also found in North Carolina. For positive identification in quarantined areas, take a specimen to your county Cooperative Extension Center. For suspected fire ant infestations in non-quarantined North Carolina Counties, contact Lloyd.Garcia@ncmail.net

Ant baits are slower acting but easier to apply than drenches for controlling fire ants. Worker ants carry the bait back to the mound and feed it to the queen. Although the bait kills the queen, wokers will remain active for several weeks before the colony finally disappears. Do not disturb the mounds during or after bait application! Fire ants will move to a new location if their mound is disturbed. Ant bait active ingredients are rapidly degraded by high temperature, high humidity, and intense sunlight. The baits can be rendered ineffective in a few hours by such conditions. Follow all directions on the container carefully.

Mark Blevins , Horticulture Agent

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/