As one relishes the harmony, sequence, texture of the surroundings, it is not unusual to walk into, or disturb a recently constructed mound containing Fire Ants. The painful stings, intense itching and resulting postules would not be soon forgotten. Infections may occur, if postules are broken. Allergic reactions to fire ant stings may range from rashes and swellings to paralysis and even death. In this article, I hope to sensitize gardeners, horticulturists to the biology and control of these fuzzy ants by answering some of the frequently asked questions by clientele visiting the Extension Office.
Fire ants are smaller than most people imagine.
They are NOT velvet ants which are 1 to 2 inches long. Brood are immature fire ants. Brood are the eggs, larvae and pupae. Fire ant queens have lived for as long as seven years, but on average live approximately three years. Worker ants' life span is much shorter.