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IDENTIFICATION |
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What are red imported fire ants?
What makes them different from native ants?
Red
imported fire ants are mediumsized ants that build mounds of soft soil rarely
larger than 18" in diameter. The ants emerge out aggressively when they are
disturbed and sting. Their sting usually leaves a white pustule the next day.
Harvester ants are much larger and make large bare areas with a single entrance
hole to the colony. Leaf cutter ants are also much larger and do not have a
distinctive builtup mound, but do have many entrance holes over a very large
area. Other small to mediumsized ants that build small mounds will actually
run away from disturbances and aren't fire ants.
Can I tell the difference
between them and native fire ants? How large are they?
Some confusion comes from the fact
that red imported fire ants come in a variety of sizes (1/16 to almost 1/4 inch
long) with the largest workers 2 or 3 times larger than the smallest. Native
fire ants are less common in imported fire ant infested areas. Solenopsis
geminata is the most common native fire ant species encountered. To the unaided
eye, they are almost identical to red imported fire ants. However, geminata will
have a few larger workers with large, squareshaped heads. These ants specialize
in collecting and milling seeds.
What is the difference between single
queen and multiple queen forms of the red imported fire ant?
Singlequeen (monogyne form): only one queen per colony or mound; slightly
larger workers; members of colonies are territorial; mound densities usually
2080 mounds per acre; fewer ants per acre. Multiplequeen (polygyne form):
dozens of queens per colony; smaller average worker ants; colonies are
interconnected; mound densities 100 to 1,000+ per acre; more ants per acre.
How can I tell
the difference between fire ants and termites?
Although most ants are
recognizable, some forms of winged ants are often confused with termites,
especially during the termite swarming season. The front pair of wings on ants
are larger than the hind pair, while the four wings of termites are
approximately the same size. Ants have "elbowed" antennae and a "thin waist,"
being narrow between the thorax and hind abdominal segments. Termites have the
thorax and abdomen broadly connected and their antennae are straight and
hairlike.
What are
carpenter ants and how do I control them?
Carpenter ants are usually larger
than most other houseinfesting ants. They vary in color from a dull black or
reddishyellow color to a combination of black and dull red or reddishorange.
Worker ants range in size from 5/16 to 7/16 inches long. Carpenter ants tunnel
into wood to form nest galleries. If they go unnoticed for several years, they
may cause structural damage. Outdoors, the ants use dead trees or tree limbs,
stumps, logs or areas under stones as nesting sites. Once the carpenter ant nest
has been located, control is relatively easy. Treatment options include use of a
bait or residual contact insecticide applied as a dust or spray to the nest.
Read and follow the product label for best results. It may be necessary to drill
small holes in the wall voids, baseboards, window and door sills to reach the
nest or major part of the colony. Nests can also be removed and infested wood
replaced, if feasible.
This fact sheet was prepared
by the
California Department of Food and
Agriculture,
with supplemental information provided by the
Texas Agricultural Extension Service.
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