Movement of fire ant infested material remains a primary method of movement. Plant nursery stock, hay and grass sod are some of the culprits. Fire ants are omnivorous. They eat both plant and animal material and live in dead insects. The only requirement for the food is that it contain protein, fat or carbohydrates.
Fire ants have a definite impact on the environment.
Their impact on wildlife including turtles, deer and quail is currently under study in various states. Disturbing the mound often causes the colony to move to another location. To kill a fire ant colony, you have to kill the queen. Often when contact insecticides like Orthene and Diazinon are used you do not kill the queen, but the disturbance is sufficient that the colony moves. The two most common organic methods to treat fire ants are the use of hot water or steam and diatomaceous earth.