Southern Fire Ant
Scientific name: Solenopsis xyloni McCook
Size: Minor workers may be as small as 1/10 inch in length. Major workers may Major Major workers measure up to 1/3 inch.
Range: The southern fire ant is a native species and ranges from California to southern South Carolina to northern Florida.
Habitat: Fire ants are typically ground-nesting ants. However, the southern fire ant will sometimes nest in the wood or masonry of buildings, especially in areas near the soil or warmth such as fireplace hearths. Outside nests are usually situated under stones or other covering objects, or in the soil at the base of a tree or shrub, or in clumps of grass. Typical mounds of the southern fire ant are flattened and irregular, covering 2-4 sq ft.
Life Span: Minor workers live up to 60 days, intermediates (medias) to 90 days, and majors to 180 days or longer. Queens live up to 6 years and males die shortly after mating. Reproductive swarms occur from July through October in the afternoon to early evening of warm, humid days.
Interesting facts:Fire ants are famous for boiling up out of their shallow nests when people and pets step on them. They will hang out around the edge of lawns under rocks and debris. Southern fire ants have a nasty sting but not near as painful as the imported red fire ant which is still somewhat sporadic in Arizona
· Anatomy: Three species of fire ants inhabit the desert southwest. All three species look similar in shape, color and size. Fire ant workers come in two sizes, major and minor. Queens are slightly larger than the biggest workers. Coloring is either all black or red with a black abdomen.
· Feeding Behavior: They generally feed on seeds, insects, young tree bark, honeydew and other sweets, preferring oily meats and nuts. Fire ants can quickly pick a dead bird or mouse to the bone.
· Activity Period: Southern Fire ants tend to be more active in the morning, evening, and night. They will however aggressively defend their mound at all hours.
·Control: Fire ants can be difficult to control. Improper treatment may result in a bigger problem later. We use special baits and non-repellent sprays to completely eliminate ant colonies. Everyday new better prescription treatments are being created to control this nasty pest.
Ideal Pest Control provides Pest Control for the Phoenix metro area including Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Glendale, Queen Creek, Chandler, Laveen, Goodyear, and Peoria.
