Red Ants vs Fire Ants

Not all fire ants are red ants, and not all red ants are fire ants. While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to distinct groups of ants with unique characteristics and behaviors. Read on to learn about the main differences between the two.

Genus and Species

Fire ants belong to the genus Solenopsis, and the two most well-known species are the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and the black imported fire ant (Solenopsis richteri).On the other hand, "red ants" is a broader term that can refer to various species of ants with red or reddish-brown coloration. Some examples of red ants include the European red ant (Myrmica rubra) and the Southern fire ant (Solenopsis xyloni).

What Do Fire Ants Look Like?

Fire ants are small, reddish-brown to reddish-black ants with distinctive physical features. Here's a more detailed description of what fire ants look like:

• Size: Approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length (2 to 6 mm).
• Body: Two-segmented body with a distinct head and thorax (mesosoma) and a fused abdomen (gaster).
• Antennae: 10-segmented antennae with a distinct elbow or bend in the middle.
• Mandibles: Sharp mandibles used for biting and defense.
• Stingers: Each fire ant possesses a venomous stinger at the end of its abdomen, used for stinging when threatened.
• Leg Count: Six legs with three segments on each leg.

Aggressiveness

One of the most significant differences between fire ants and red ants is their level of aggressiveness. Fire ants are notoriously aggressive and territorial insects. They exhibit swarm behavior, attacking en masse when their nests are disturbed and delivering painful stings with their venomous stingers. In contrast, while red ants can defend themselves, they are generally less aggressive and less likely to swarm or deliver painful stings.

What Do Fire Ant Bites Look Like?

Fire ant bites typically appear as raised, reddish blisters in clusters and cause intense pain and a burning sensation. Red ant bites are smaller, less noticeable, and may cause mild stinging or itching.

Can Fire Ants Kill You?

Fire ant stings can be dangerous, particularly for individuals who are allergic to their venom. While fire ant stings are not typically fatal for most people, they can cause severe reactions in some cases, leading to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic response.

Nest Structure

Fire ants build characteristic dome-shaped mounds made of soil, which can vary in size depending on the size of the colony. These mounds serve as their nests and are a defining feature of fire ant presence. On the other hand, red ants' nests can vary in structure and location. Some red ants nest in soil, while others may build nests under rocks, in decaying wood, or even inside the plants they tend.

Habitat

Fire ants are native to South America, but they have been introduced to other parts of the world, including the southern United States, where they have become invasive pests. They thrive in warm climates and are often found in urban and agricultural areas. In contrast, red ants can be found in various habitats worldwide, ranging from forests to grasslands, and their distribution is more diverse.

Dealing With a Fire Ant Infestation

Dealing with a fire ant infestation requires a proactive and careful approach. While you can try DIY methods to mitigate the issue, if you want real results, you need the help of a professional ant control company. At Wolfpack Pest Control, we completely eliminate and prevent fire ants here in North Carolina. For a free quote, call us today!