It is a nonnative, invasive insect with no natural enemies or controls in North America.
Any infested area contains many colonies with a wide range of development and maturity.
Colonies move horizontally and vertically in the soil profile to avoid adverse temperatures and moisture stress. It can utilize a wide variety of foods. Imported fire ant behavior allows them to resist disease and toxic materials. Two confirmed deaths associated with IFA stings. The medical cost of treating IFA stings was about 2.4 million dollars.