Fire Ant

*Solenopsis invicta*

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-5 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

SoutheastSouthwestWest

Habitat Preferences

gardenslawnsmeadowsparksplaygroundspasturesopen fieldsroadsides

Taxonomic Group

Ant

Order

Hymenoptera

Family

Formicidae

Lifecycle

The fire ant life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, and the entire process takes approximately one month. The queen lays eggs, which hatch into grub-like larvae in 6 to 10 days. The larval stage lasts for 12 to 14 days, during which they are fed and cared for by worker ants. Following the larval stage, they enter the pupal stage, which lasts for 9 to 16 days, where they transform into adults. Unfertilized eggs develop into winged males, while fertilized eggs develop into sterile female workers or, with enhanced nutrition, into new winged reproductive queens.

Overwintering Strategy

Fire ants overwinter in their mounds, moving deeper into the soil to escape cold temperatures. They are less active during the winter but will emerge to forage on warm days. They prepare for winter by storing up fats and carbohydrates in the fall.

Native Range

South America

Attracted By

overflowing trashfood crumbsleaky pipesstanding waterother insectslawn clippingsleavescompost

Repelled By

rosemarymintcatnipsagepennyroyalcitronella grasseucalyptuslavenderorange oildiatomaceous earth

Organic Control Methods

Several organic methods can be used to control fire ants. Pouring a large volume (at least 3 gallons) of boiling water directly onto the mound can be 20-60% effective. Adding soap to the water can increase its effectiveness. A slurry of warm water, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and instant yeast can be poured on the mound; the resulting fungal growth is lethal to the ants. Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around mounds and foraging trails, and orange oil is also reported to be a repellent. Spinosad is a biological pesticide that is effective, but it is also highly toxic to bees.

Companion Planting

While no specific companion plants are definitively proven to repel fire ants, creating a diverse and healthy garden ecosystem can help manage their populations. Some sources suggest that strong-smelling plants like rosemary, mint, catnip, sage, pennyroyal, citronella grass, eucalyptus, and lavender may deter ants. Enhancing soil quality and providing habitat for natural predators of fire ants can also be an effective long-term strategy.