While there are some fire ant species native to the U.S., it is the imported red fire ant that's usually targeted as a pest. Use caution when dealing with these ants, their sting is worse than a wasp sting.

Red imported fire ants are sized at about 1/8".

There are two types of imported Red Fire Ants:

Monogyne Form - Only one queen per colony with slightly larger worker ants. Worker ants in single-queen colonies are more territorial, limiting the number of colonies per acre to 50-150 mounds.

Polygyne Form - Up to several dozens of queens per colony and smaller worker ants. Colonies in this form are interconnected and workers ants can move freely between them. This brings about a higher density of mounds with up to 1,000 mounds per acre.

Fire Ants are predators, feeding mainly on other insects. They are notorious for their aggressiveness and painful bites. When provoked, a fire ant will bite the skin of the attacker to gain hold and then move on to use its venomous sting.

While a single Fire Ant sting isn't dangerous. Fire Ants can and do sting multiple times without ever losing a hold of their victim. They move their body to deliver multiple stings in a small circle. Their real power lies in their mass attacks.

An attacking ant releases pheromones that call its fellow workers to join forces in battle. Anyone disturbing a Fire Ant mound risks a painful and potentially dangerous mass attack.

Pest Control Tips in dealing with fire ants -

Controlling a fire ant infestation can be a challenge and potentially hazardous. You may want to call for professional help.

A combination of techniques is often used in fighting imported Red Fire Ants -

Spraying the entire area with professional granules using a hose-end sprayer.

Drenching all mounds with large quantities of designated ant control pesticide solution.

Using slow-acting ant bait during the summer. Try placing the bait in the shade or putting it out during the evening, as exposure to sunlight can cause the poison to disintegrate.

It is found that the fire ants are impervious to most poisons used against them. It is highly advisable to call an expert in once you have located the nest. If the nest is early in its stages, you may not see more than a small bump of raised earth. However, the longer the ants go undetected, the more time they have to build their nest. A fire ant nest can grow up to two feet high with more than a quarter-million fire ants below running at least three feet underground.