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Pestgon FactSheet
“ If they fly they die…if they crawl they fall”
IMPORTED FIRE ANT: (Solenopsis invicta or Solenopsis wagneri)
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Description:
Fire ants are small (less than a quarter of an inch long), and look very
much like ordinary house or garden ants. This species can easily be confused
with the common native ants. Imported Fire Ants are coppery-brown to black
and live in colonies that consist of visible dirt mounds that can become
as large as a washtub, with long underground tunnels. The nest mounds have
no obvious entry or exit holes on top of them.
Their dome-shaped nest mounds can be found next to, or underneath objects
on the ground, such as boards, rocks, pavers, bricks etc. Pestgon, Inc. has
noted that mounds will not always be evident, and are usually found in open
areas such as lawns, landscape, fields and along pathways. These ants also
establish colonies under sidewalks and roadways.
Biology & Habits:
Since the early 1920s these aggressive and destructive creatures have slowly
migrated throughout most of the southern United States. They are now present
in southern California and are developing as a serious threat to both people
and property. All wingless ants are workers, sterile females. The winged
forms, or reproductives, live in the mound nest and swarm twice a year, usually
in the afternoon, soon after a rain. Swarming is most common in spring and
fall. Fire ants can be destinguished by their aggressive behaviour, particularly
near the nest. They are venomous and highly mobile. Only a small percentage
of persons are sensitive to the venom and experience serious redness and
swelling or allergic reactions. If stung, apply ice to the affected area
for 10 to 15 minutes.
Economic Impact:
Imported fire ants cause significant damage to plants in the irrigated landscape.
They are especially destructive to turf grass areas and their unsightly dirt
mounds cause damage to mowing equipment. Pestgon, Inc. has found that certain
ants can collect in large numbers in electrical switching equipping, causing
expensive shut-downs. Fire ants also nest within urban structures such as
the walls of commercial buildings, offices and homes. Building invasions
can threaten the occupants,
especially children and the elderly. Such invasions are especially prevalent
during periods of heavy precipitation and flooding. When such a nesting site
is abandoned, the deep hollows and loosened soil can cause structural cracks
to appear and will occasionally result in the complete collapse of sections
of these structures.
One of the greatest economic impacts and dangers posed by the Imported Fire
Ant results from short circuits and fires in electrical systems when the
ants move into circuit breakers, relays, motors, and other electrical devices.
Fire ants are attracted by electrical currents and have caused considerable
damage to heat pumps, air conditioners, telephone junction boxes, transformers,
switches, etc. Why certain ants are drawn to electrical currents is still
something of a mystery.
Management Methods:
Pestgon, Inc. employs a combination of Integrated Pest Management techniques
to prevent and eradicate this serious pest. Pestgon, Inc. recommends a monthly
pest management service and thorough inspections in order to prevent the
establishment of Imported Fire Ant colonies.
Additional Links:
http://ipmworld.umn.edu/chapters/lockley.htm
http://www.safe2use.com/pests/fireants/factoids.htm
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7487.html
Long Beach Vector Control:
http://www.longbeach.gov/health/organization/eh/vector/ants.asp