|
Fireant
 
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Solenopsis spp.
CLASS / ORDER / FAMILY: Insecta / Hymenoptera / Formicidae
METAMORPHOSIS: Complete
INTRODUCTION. This species of ant gets their common name from their ability to inflict very painful bites and stings. There are two important species which are the:
1) Southern fire ant (Solenopsis xyloni McCook) and the
2) Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren).
The southern fire ant is a native species and ranges from California to southern South Carolina to northern Florida. The red imported fire ant is from central Brazil and is found in the southeastern United States, from Virginia through Texas as of 2002..
RECOGNITION. The workers polymorphic and are about 1/16-1/4 long. The queens average ¼” in length with the head and thorax being yellowish red and the abdomen black. The reproductives are darker in color. The antenna is 10-segmented, with a 2-segmented club. Fireants’ thorax does not have spines and its profile is unevenly rounded. The pedicel is 2-segmented. A stinger readily inflict painful stings. The chemical that creates the painful feeling is formic acid.
BIOLOGY. As for the red imported fire ant, most single-queen mounds typically number up to 100/acre with from 80,000 but up to 250,000 individuals per colony. On the other-hand, multi-queened colonies may number up to 700/acre but contain fewer individuals per colony, and there is less fighting between the colonies. Typical mounds are rounded, being up to 18" high and 24+" inches in diameter. Each has several tunnels just under the soil surface extending out several feet. A queen in a large colony is capable of producing her own weight in eggs each day or about 1,500 or more. Developmental time (egg to adult) for workers ranges up to 38 days. A mature colony can produce as many as 4,500 swarmers during the year, with 6-8 mating flights occurring primarily between spring and fall. Mating flights usually begin about 10 AM and within 1-2 days following a rain if it is warm (about 750F), sunny, and not very windy. Minor workers live up to 60 days, intermediates (medias) to 90 days, and majors to 180 days or longer. Queens live up to 6 years and males die shortly after mating.
Typical mounds of the southern fire ant are flattened and irregular, covering 2-4 sq ft. Swarms occur from May through October in the afternoon to early evening of warm days. Developmental time can require as few as 44 days. Its biology has not been thoroughly studied.
HABITS. Fire ants are typically ground-nesting ants. However, the southern fire ant will sometimes nest in the wood or masonry of buildings, especially in areas near the soil or warmth such as fireplace hearths. When the southern fire ant nests outside near a house, it is usually in the vicinity of the kitchen. Outside nests are usually situated under stones or other covering objects, or in the soil at the base of a tree or shrub, or in clumps of grass.
The red imported fire ant typically nests outside. Each colony has its own territory, and there is usually no movement between colonies. However, they will sometimes nest in areas of exposed soil within buildings such as bath traps. They also have the habit of building outside nests adjacent to foundation walls. They are commonly introduced into new areas via potted or balled shrubs and trees.
Fire ants are attracted to electrical junction boxes of traffic signals, air conditioners, etc. When they mass around the electrical contact points, they cause the equipment to malfunction. They will also nest in gas and water meter boxes and then follow the pipes into the building.
Fire ants prefer food with a high protein content but will feed on almost anything, plant or animal. The southern fire ant has been known to remove insulation from phone and electrical wires, and to gnaw on clothing, especially if soiled. They generally feed on seeds, insects, young tree bark, honeydew and other sweets, preferring oily meats and nuts. Red imported fire ants are particularly destructive to vegetation. Workers forage in established trails.
If you can not find the pest control product or products you are looking for call us toll free at 1-866-545-9064 and we will find it for you in one of our alternate shipping warehouses. Our home office is located in Houston, Texas with warehouses located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Miami, FL. Chicago, IL., Denver CO., El Paso, Texas, Dallas TX, San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX, Boise ID, Atlanta GA, Albuquerque NM, Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Albuquerque NM, Huntsville AL, Fayetteville AR, Norfolk VA , Madison WI., Corpus Christi, TX, Plano, Texas, Garland, TX, Laredo, Texas, Lubbock, TX.
|
