Agricultural Facts

Fast Facts for the Agricultural Community

Red Imported Fire Ants may be tiny, but their aggressive nature has the potential to destroy farmland, injure agricultural workers, and kill livestock and poultry. In the state of Texas alone, more than $580 million is spent each year just to control — not eradicate — Red Imported Fire Ants. The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in partnership with county agricultural commissioners, is waging war on the Red Imported Fire Ant with the goal of complete eradication. Below are important facts every farmer should know to help protect their farms from these destructive insects.

• Red Imported Fire Ants measure 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch in length and are reddish-brown in color. They closely resemble other ants commonly found in California and can only be positively identified using a powerful microscope.

• Newly-formed Red Imported Fire Ant mounds tend to appear as small piles of fine soil with one or more entrance holes. Established mounds can grow as large as one foot tall and three feet wide — larger than any other ant mound.

• Red Imported Fire Ants have been found in such agricultural areas as irrigation ditches, the bases of trees, beehive staging areas, orchard perimeters and electrical areas, like irrigation pump houses.

• The majority of all Red Imported Fire Ant infestations on California agricultural lands have been traced back to out-of-state beehives.

• In addition to California, Red Imported Fire Ants have been found in 12 southeastern states, including Texas and Louisiana. Growers receiving agriculture-related shipments from infested states should carefully inspect them for Red Imported Fire Ants.

• Red Imported Fire Ant mounds are most commonly found in almond orchards and crops that use honeybees, such as citrus groves. However, neighboring fields can also be at risk since Red Imported Fire Ant queens can establish new colonies hundreds of feet away from their previous colonies.

• Red Imported Fire Ants will disrupt growers’ integrated pest management programs by eliminating beneficial insects.

• When Red Imported Fire Ants attack, hundreds of ants swarm and inflict painful stings that leave blister-like sores that could become infected if not treated carefully. Some people are allergic to fire ant venom, and if stung can experience difficulty breathing and other life-threatening reactions. If you suspect an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

• If you suspect you have found a Red Imported Fire Ant mound on your property, call the toll-free hotline at 1-888-4FIREANT. Your property will be inspected and treated free of charge.