Red Imported Fire Ants In Arkansas

Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are small, reddish-brown ants with darker abdomens. Worker ants vary in size from about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, while queens can grow up to 3/8 inch. Their bodies are segmented with a two-part waist and their antennae end with a distinct two-segmented club.

They build large, dome-shaped mounds with no clear opening that can reach up to 18 inches in height, typically found in open, sunny areas such as lawns, fields, and roadsides. Red imported fire ants are known for their aggressive behavior; when disturbed, they swarm quickly and sting, injecting venom that causes painful pustules.

How Did Red Imported Fire Ants Get to the United States?

Red imported fire ants arrived in the United States during the 1930s through shipping cargo from South America. Soil used as ballast in ships brought the ants to the port of Mobile, Alabama, where they were first introduced. Once established, the ants spread rapidly through the transportation of infested materials, including nursery plants, sod, and soil.  Their expansion was further accelerated by interstate commerce and agricultural practices that inadvertently moved colonies to new locations.

How Can We Prevent More Invasions from Red Imported Fire Ants?

Preventing further invasions of red imported fire ants in Arkansas requires a combination of proactive measures, strict regulations, and community involvement. Historically, Arkansas has implemented several quarantines to control the spread of fire ants, with current USDA-enforced quarantines covering 50 counties.

These quarantines aim to restrict the movement of potentially infested materials such as sod, soil, hay, and nursery stock, which are common ways the ants spread to new areas. Prevention efforts should focus on the following strategies:

• Strict adherence to quarantine guidelines: Farmers, landscapers, and transport companies must comply with regulations that prevent the movement of fire ant-infested materials.
• Regular inspections: Routine checks of landscaping supplies, potted plants, and soil can catch infestations early before they spread.
• Public education: Raising awareness among homeowners, businesses, and agricultural workers helps communities recognize risks and take action.
• Collaboration with local extension services: Engaging with experts can provide tailored solutions for high-risk areas.

These combined efforts are vital to reducing the spread of fire ants and protecting Arkansas’s environment, economy, and public health.

How Do Red Imported Fire Ants Affect the Environment?

Red imported fire ants have a profound impact on Arkansas’s environment, affecting both natural ecosystems and human activities. These ants prey on a wide range of native insects, small animals, and even ground-nesting birds, disrupting the local food chain and reducing biodiversity. By outcompeting native ant species, they alter ecological balances that many plants and animals rely on for survival.

In agriculture, fire ants damage crops like corn and soybeans by feeding on seeds and young plants, which can lead to lower yields and economic losses for farmers. Their predation on beneficial pollinators and other insects further exacerbates these agricultural challenges.

In residential and recreational areas, fire ants build large mounds that can damage lawns, fields, and equipment. These mounds not only ruin the aesthetics of landscapes but also pose hazards to people and animals using those spaces.

Additionally, their attraction to electrical equipment can cause short circuits and malfunctions, resulting in costly repairs and potential safety risks. The combined environmental, economic, and safety impacts make fire ants a significant concern for both urban and rural communities across Arkansas.

Signs of a Fire Ant Infestation

Detecting a fire ant infestation early is crucial for preventing widespread issues, whether in a yard or inside a home. Red imported fire ants primarily infest outdoor spaces but can enter buildings under certain conditions. While it is less common for them to nest indoors, they can infest homes, particularly during extreme weather when they seek shelter, food, or moisture.

Signs of a yard infestation:

• Dome-shaped mounds up to 18 inches tall, typically found in lawns, gardens, fields, and along sidewalks.
• Mounds with no visible entrance holes, as ants enter through underground tunnels.
• Aggressive swarming when the mound is disturbed, resulting in rapid emergence of worker ants.

Signs of a home infestation:

• Soil deposits near baseboards, expansion joints, HVAC systems, or electrical outlets, indicating ant entry points.
• Trails of ants foraging for food or water indoors, especially in kitchens or bathrooms.
• Small piles of soil around foundations, which suggest underground nests near or inside walls.
• Increased ant activity following heavy rains or droughts, as ants move indoors to escape unfavorable conditions.

Early identification and prompt action are vital to mitigating fire ant risks. Regular inspections of both outdoor and indoor areas, especially after periods of extreme weather, can prevent infestations from becoming severe.

How to Get Rid of Red Imported Fire Ants

When it comes to effectively eliminating red imported fire ants, professional treatment is the most reliable solution. DIY methods may offer temporary relief, but they often fail to eradicate the entire colony, especially the queen, which allows the infestation to quickly return. 

Professional pest control companies like Adams Pest Control use advanced methods and products that are not typically available to the general public. These treatments are designed for long-term success, targeting both visible colonies and hidden underground tunnels.

Professional treatment methods include:

• Comprehensive inspections: Technicians thoroughly assess your property to locate all active mounds and potential nesting sites.
• Broadcast bait applications: Specialized, slow-acting baits are applied across affected areas to ensure worker ants carry the product back to the colony, ultimately eliminating the queen.
• Direct mound treatments: Targeted insecticide applications penetrate deep into the mound, destroying ants at all stages of development.
• Barrier treatments: Perimeter applications prevent fire ants from entering homes and spreading into new areas.
• Ongoing maintenance plans: Regular treatments help maintain a fire ant-free environment and prevent future infestations.

Professional pest control services are highly recommended due to their precision, access to stronger and more effective products, and expertise in handling infestations safely. With over 65 years of experience in Central and Northwest Arkansas, Adams Pest Control ensures your property receives the best protection against red imported fire ants.