Red imported fire ants build dome mounds across CSRA lawns and deliver a painful, burning sting when disturbed. They are one of the most common yard pests in the region.

How to identify the Red Imported Fire Ant

Small reddish-brown ants of varying sizes in one colony, building loose dome-shaped dirt mounds with no obvious central opening.

Behavior & biology

Colonies contain tens of thousands of ants and boil out aggressively when the mound is disturbed. They relocate readily and thrive in open, sunny turf.

Why Red Imported Fire Ants are a problem

Stings cause painful welts and pustules and can be dangerous to allergic people, children, and pets. Mounds damage lawns and equipment.

Signs of an infestation

Dome mounds in sunny lawn areas, especially after rain, and fast, aggressive swarming when a mound is stepped on or raked.

How we handle Red Imported Fire Ants in the CSRA

Fire ants need a yard-wide baiting and treatment approach, not just knocking down visible mounds. Our pest control program manages them across the property. Call 803-226-3155 to schedule. See more in our pest library.