They should look for aggressive, reddish-black ants or the rounded mounds of imported fire ant colonies. If in doubt, they should contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture's plant protection program or their county Extension agent. Imported fire ants can attack humans or animals with little warning. They often attack as a group. The ant injects venom from its poison sac and can sting repeatedly.
Most people get an itchy hive, then a blister, at the site of each sting.
The stings are painful, and can cause anaphylactic shock in allergic individuals. An allergic reaction is reason to seek medical attention immediately. Imported fire ants could survive and become established in some Kansas locations. Preventive measures are taken to assure that does not happen. Imported fire ants commonly infest areas such as lawns, school yards, golf courses, parks, agricultural fields and pastures.