Red imported fire ant workers range from 1.5 mm to 4 mm and are reddish-brown with a darker abdomen. Fire ants don't injure turfgrass, but large mounds become unsightly. Colonies do not have a soil type preference, but they do prefer open sunny areas such as lawns, pastures, parks and disturbed areas.
Fire ants are aggressive to people and pets and cause painful stings that are easily infected.
They can also invade electrical equipment, chewing insulation and causing short circuits. Native ants of all types are natural enemies to imported fire ants. Leaving native ants alone in your yard can help create a barrier to new fire ant colonies because they will defend their turf. See below for photos of native ants. Spread bait over the entire yard, not on top of mounds.