![]() ![]() ![]() Calling for an inspection can help you determine what type of ant is on your property and where its nest is. A pest control professional is an excellent source of information in this instance. If you spot big red ants in or around your home, it’s important to identify them properly. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately. For these individuals, a fire ant sting can cause a potentially fatal reaction. ![]() About one percent of people are severely allergic to fire ant bites. These ants can use their stingers multiple times in a single attack. When the fire ant feels threatened it can both bite and sting. These ants typically sting when you brush at them, which is the typical reaction if you find that you’ve disturbed a nest and have fire ants crawling up your legs to investigate. The most distinguishing characteristic of a fire ant is its sting. Instead, the dirt is spread more evenly at the entrance.Īs you can see, fire ants are not the only red ants that you may encounter. The tropical fire ant’s nest does not have a mound at the entrance like a RIFA nest. Tropical fire ants live in Hawaii and some parts of the southern United States. However, they are slightly larger with a square-shaped head. Tropical fire ants: The tropical fire ant is very similar to the RIFA.They may also nest underground, leaving irregular craters with one or more openings. They can nest in crawl spaces, wall voids, or under carpets. These ants prefer a hot, dry climate and are found in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California. This ant is between 1/4 and 1/8-inch in length. Southern fire ants : The southern fire ant has a redhead with a red and black abdomen.RIFA creates mounds around the entrances to their nests, making them easier to spot. These ants are typically 1/4 to 1/8-inch long. The body is red or reddish-brown in color. Red imported fire ants: The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is the most common type of fire ant in the United States.They often nest in electrical equipment and cause shortages. They crawl quickly and do not follow a straight line. They’re called “crazy” ants because of their erratic movements. They are reddish-brown in color with long legs and antennae. Tawny crazy ants: Tawny crazy ants, also known as raspberry crazy ants, are quickly establishing themselves as major pest in Texas and other parts of the Gulf area.They have a painful sting that you might confuse for a fire ant bite. Their straight antennae can help you identify them as wasps rather than ants, as ants have elbowed antennae. They are fuzzy, wingless, and can be bright red in color. Velvet ants: Velvet ants aren’t actually ants at all.Watch out for the ants themselves as well as piles of wood shavings, which indicate a nest. These ants can do serious structural damage. If you have wet or damaged wood in the home, you’re at risk of a carpenter ant infestation. Carpenter ants tunnel into rotting wood to make their homes. These ants are typically around 5/8-inch long. Carpenter ants: Carpenter ants can be black, dark brown, or reddish in color.Here are some top contenders that you might be dealing with if you see big red ants in the home. Ant identification is always the first step in proper ant control. ![]() While fire ants are one of the best-known species of red ants, there are other types of red ants as well. Learn more about the types of red ants you may find in your home. While fire ants are red, there are actually several species that can have this hue. No one wants to deal with a painful encounter with fire ants, so it’s no surprise that people back off quickly when they see an ant that’s red in color. Red ants are an alarming find because they’re often associated with stinging fire ants. ![]()
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