Southern Fire Ant

Small ants, 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, with a reddish-brown head and thorax and a darker, almost black abdomen. They have a two-node petiole and their antennae have 10 segments ending in a two-segmented club. Workers vary in size.

Highly aggressive and territorial. They build visible mounds in open, sunny areas. When disturbed, they grab the skin with their mandibles and sting repeatedly in a circular pattern, injecting venom. They are omnivorous and feed on insects, seeds, and honeydew.

Open, sunny areas with sandy or well-drained soil — lawns, fields, pastures, and along sidewalks and driveways. They build mounds that can be several inches high and wide. Common in the Antelope Valley's desert environment.

Visible dome-shaped mounds in lawns or bare soil. Aggressive swarming when the mound is disturbed. Multiple painful stings in a short time. Foraging trails leading to and from the mound. Dead insects and other food near mound entrances.

Stings cause immediate burning pain, followed by red welts that become pustules within 24 hours. Multiple stings can cause nausea, dizziness, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Individuals allergic to fire ant venom can experience life-threatening reactions.

Inspect your yard regularly for mounds, especially in spring and summer. Keep lawn areas well-maintained. Avoid disturbing mounds — do not try to remove them yourself. Wear shoes outdoors. Reduce standing water and food sources. Contact professionals for mound treatment.