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. 

Fire ants are a nuisance in North Carolina, causing painful stings and building destructive colonies in yards and homes. Many homeowners mistake fire ants for other types of red-colored ants, leading to ineffective treatment decisions and persistent infestations. 

Types of Ants in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to a variety of ant species, each with different nesting habits and behaviors. Some of the most common types of ants in NC include:

• Fire ants – Known for their aggressive nature and painful stings, fire ants build large mounds in open, sunny areas and sometimes nest indoors near electrical outlets and warm spaces. They are reddish-brown with a darker abdomen and have a distinct two-segmented petiole. Unlike other common ants, some fire ants have wings. 
• Carpenter ants – These large ants, ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch, are black, red, or a combination of both. They prefer to nest in damp or decaying wood and can cause structural damage. Unlike fire ants, they do not sting but can bite.
• Odorous house ants – Small (1/16 to 1/8 inch), dark brown or black ants that often enter homes in search of sugary foods. When crushed, they emit a strong, rotten-coconut-like odor. They have a single hidden node under their abdomen.
• Argentine ants – Light to dark brown ants that form massive colonies and are highly adaptable to urban and suburban environments. They can be very difficult to control.
• Pavement ants – Small, dark brown to black ants that commonly nest under sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. They have a pair of spines on the thorax and a two-segmented petiole.
• Rover ants - Small and that vary in color from pale yellow to dark brown.They are highly invasive and were introduced to the southeast from Argentina. 

While many of these species invade homes searching for food, fire ants present a more serious risk due to their aggressive defense mechanisms and painful stings.

What Do Fire Ants Look Like?

Fire ants are small but formidable. Here’s how you can identify them:

• Size: Workers range from 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, with some variation in size within a colony.
• Color: Fire ants are reddish-brown with a darker abdomen, which differentiates them from uniformly colored ants.
• Body Shape: Fire ants have a distinct, segmented body with two nodes (bumps) between the thorax and abdomen, making them appear more defined than other common ants.
• Wings: Mature ant colonies will produce fire ants with wings, who go out further in search of food and water.
• Aggressive Behavior: When disturbed, fire ants swarm and sting multiple times, injecting venom that causes burning pain and allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Nesting Habits: Fire ants build dome-shaped mounds in open areas like lawns or patios, or indoors near foundations and corners. They prefer dry, warm locations and often colonize near sidewalks, driveways, and electrical equipment.

Inside a home, fire ants are attracted to warm areas near electrical outlets, HVAC systems, and kitchen spaces where food is accessible.

What Do Red Ants Look Like?

Many people confuse fire ants with other red-colored ants, of which there are many types. Carpenter ants are larger, can be colored red, black, or brown, and do not sting. Rover ants, mentioned above, are highly invasive. While they do not sting, they can also colonize inside homes. 

Unlike fire ants, most other red-colored ants in North Carolina do not establish colonies indoors. They may enter homes to forage for food and build mounds near doors or cracks in foundations, but do not pose the same health risks as fire ants.

How to Identify a Fire Ant Infestation

Fire ant infestations can quickly spiral out of control if left untreated. Here are some warning signs of a fire ant infestation:

• Presence of mounds: Fire ant mounds are dome-shaped, typically appearing in open, sunny areas such as lawns, gardens, and fields. Unlike other ant species, fire ant mounds do not have a central entrance hole.
• Aggressive swarming: Disturbing a mound will trigger a swarm of ants that emerge rapidly and sting multiple times.
• Indoor sightings: Fire ants sometimes enter homes through cracks or openings, especially during extreme weather conditions. They may be found near electrical outlets or warm appliances.
• Electrical damage: Fire ants are drawn to electrical equipment, where they can cause short circuits and costly repairs by chewing on wires and nesting inside outlets and circuit boxes.
• Winged ants indoors: The presence of winged fire ants inside a home suggests a mature colony has established itself nearby, as swarmers indicate reproductive activity.

If you suspect a fire ant infestation, professional intervention is the best course of action. Our experts use advanced baiting systems and targeted treatments to eliminate fire ant colonies at the source. For a more detailed guide on identifying a fire ant infestation, check out our dedicated article.

Did a Fire Ant Bite Me?

Fire ant stings are very painful and usually happen on your legs or feet. Here’s what to look for:

• Burning Pain: Fire ant stings cause an immediate burning or stinging sensation, followed by intense itching.
• Blisters: Within a few hours to a day, a white blister often forms at the sting site. This is a telltale sign of a fire ant sting.
• Multiple Stings: Fire ants sting multiple times and often attack in groups, leaving several red, swollen bumps on the skin.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals experience severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, dizziness, and swelling of the throat. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.

If you suspect you’ve been stung by fire ants, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and use over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream to ease itching. Avoid scratching the blisters, as this can lead to infection.

When to Hire a Professional For Fire Ant Control

Fire ant infestations require professional treatment for complete eradication. Here’s when you should call a pest control expert to get rid of fire ants:

• You notice multiple fire ant mounds in your yard.
• Fire ants have made their way inside your home and have built mounds indoors.
• You, your family members, or pets have been stung.
• You’ve tried store-bought treatments with no success.
• There is evidence of fire ants damaging electrical wiring or infrastructure.

For the most trusted fire ant control, look no further than Wolfpack Pest Control. With nearly 50 years of experience, our family-founded company has been a trusted choice in the Greater Charlotte, NC area. We specialize in thorough pest elimination and long-term prevention, ensuring your home stays fire ant-free. Contact Wolfpack Pest Control today for professional, reliable service you can count on.