This small brownish ant is one of our most serious stinging insect pests in the southern U.S.
Fire ants entered the U.S. from South America in the 1920's through the port of Mobile, Alabama, and they have gradually spread over most of the South Atlantic and Gulf States.
As shown in the photo, the fire ant is a mound builder. They are extremely aggressive ants when disturbed and will attack anything disturbing their mound. The sting of the fire ant is painful and will cause of pustule to form which is often followed by a small scar. Children or animals which accidentally disturb the mounds are often severely stung. Large numbers of stings may cause death unless medical attention is received.
