Now widespread from Texas to the Carolinas to Florida, the red fire ant was accidentally introduced from Argentina in Mobile, Alabama around 1940 in lawn grass sod. Females excavate nests, which can contain more than 100,00 ants, close to shrubs for protection from burrowing ant eating animals. Look for large mounds of soil on open ground. Fire ants sting and bite voraciously, resulting in burning, itching and a pimple-like bump. Wrapped ice and anti-itch.

Latin Name: Solenopsis Invicta

Habitat: Pine Flatwoods, Lawn & Prairie Grasses

Diet: young foliage, insects

Species Alert! Exotic