Fire Ants
Fire ants come in many sizes, and there are quite a few of these species that are known for being mean. They are going to fight for their survival and they may bite because they feel threatened. It is part of how they are able to survive in their natural environment. If these types of ants are on you, it is going to hurt and you will quickly feel their sting. Of course they generally stick together so where you find one you will find many.
Exploring the World of Fire Ants
Fire ants live in very large colonies and you will often see their mounds peaking out from piles of dirt in the backyard or in open fields.
They also tend to have their home underneath things. If you move a pile of wood or bricks you should be careful to examine the area for them and other types of insects first.
Where to Find Fire Ants
You will likely find fire ants out in the open during the early morning hours. This is when they will be on the hunt for food to bring back to the colony. They eat a great deal and often go after crickets and other types of insects.
When they can’t find them they will settle for plants and grass. The amount of fire ants in the colony will continue to grow as long as there is enough food for them.
The Queen Has a Special Survival Skill
The queen fire ants will only reproduce if the basic needs of the colony are being met. This is a type of survival skill that is evident in most species of ants. There is only one queen in each fire ant colony.
She will live to be about five years of age and will be replaced as soon as she dies. The number of eggs she lays daily will vary from a couple of hundred to more than one thousand.
Male Fire Ants Have Only One Job
The male ants have the job of mating with the queen. They will do so and then these fire ants have to move on to anther colony to continue the process. All of the worker ants in the colony are females. None of them are able to reproduce. They do help to care for the young ants though and to gather food for everyone to eat.
If you suspect that you have a fire ant colony or activity on your property it is recommended that you seek out a professional pest control company to effectively and safely deal with them.