When disturbed, Fire Ants literally boil out of the mound and sting whatever is in reach. Fire Ants grab flesh with their mouthparts, hold on, and rotate their bodies in order to sting several times. The sting is very painful and causes a pustule that can last a week or more, often leaving a scar. If you are stung and experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, perspiration, or asthmatic or allergic reactions, see a physician immediately. The problems caused by IFA are not restricted to people.
Mounds interfere with mechanical cultivation, and discourage farm workers from entering fields.
In the case of heavy infestations, damage may result to vegetable or field crops from gnawing or chewing by Ants. IFA has even been found eating the packing in expansion joints between concrete slabs on interstate highways. Fire Ants permanently alter the ecological balance once established in an area because of their voracious foraging behavior. Fire Ants mate in spring or early summer. The new virgin queens leave the mound and fly into the air to mate.