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.
Fire ants are a continuing community health threat in South Carolina.
The elderly, children, and youth have the highest incidence of IFA stings. Bedridden or incapacitated patients and infants are at particular risk since they cannot easily remove fire ants from their bodies. Limited resource citizens are impacted more than others in IFA infested areas. Imported fire ants affect ecological functioning by disrupting seed dispersal and pollination. These impacts occur throughout the wildlife communities and may affect viability and integrity of the communities.