Fire ants are not naturally found in Wisconsin. This is a species that originates from South America and is found in regions with warmer climates (much like their native habitat South America).
In North America, fire ants are commonly found in the Southeastern states and in very rare cases, also in the southern part of Western states. They are an invasive species that can be hard to deal with, and if not dealt with quickly, they can cause property damage that costs a lot of money.
Are There Fire Ants in Wisconsin?
It’s unlikely but not impossible. Fire ants aren’t naturally present in Wisconsin, but they can get there and in other Northern parts of the country.
Just a few fire ants in a pile of fruit being transported from Texas can quickly turn into a colony of fire ants in Wisconsin!
Through some form of transport, ants can migrate great distances and start developing colonies in regions where they never naturally existed before.
What are the Red Ants in Wisconsin?
You have most likely seen Pharaoh ants. These are far more common in Wisconsin, and from a distance, they resemble fire ants because of their red bodies.
Even though Pharaoh ants are a different kind of ant, they are also destructive and problematic to deal with.
They aren’t as ferocious as fire ants and tend not to bite/sting, but they can still eat away at building foundations and carry a number of diseases. Pharaoh ants have similar jaws and teeth to fire ants, so it’s best to be cautious when dealing with a pharaoh ant infestation.
Ideally, get a professional to help you out.
For more information, see Red Ants vs. Fire Ants: How To Tell the Difference.
What are Fire Ants?
Fire ants belong to the Solenopsis genus, which includes over 200 species. This species is often referred to as fire ants due to the reddish-brown color of their body. See our guide on How To Identify Fire Ants.
Nearly all of these species are about 3mm-6mm in length. The queens are significantly larger than worker ants. Queens are usually ⅜” long and have wings.
Males are 1/16” to ¼” long and don’t have wings.
Like many worker ants, the red imported fire ant doesn’t have a very long life span and typically only survives for 4-12 weeks. The queen ant can live for 1-6 years.
The queen fire ant can produce over 1,500 eggs per day, and each fire ant colony can hold, on average, 250,000 ants in the fire ant mound.
Another unique feature of fire ants is that they often have polygamous colonies. A single colony can be home to multiple queens meaning that the overall population of the colony can easily be in the millions.
The invasive nature of fire ants and the large populations of each colony make them a major problem in any setting.
Habitat
Fire ants are also known as Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFAs), as they are native to South America. Over time, they have expanded into North America.
Being from South America, they are most comfortable in warm, sunny, and dry weather and prefer to build colonies in such climates. They are quite rare in colder regions such as Wisconsin.
However, if they find a good source of food, a kitchen, for example, they can start developing their colony in a quiet place nearby, such as under the sink, behind drywall, or even under the floor.
Typically, these ants will develop their colonies outside where they have access to sunlight and warmth and have soil they can burrow down into.
Like other ants, they have a caste system, and different ants are assigned different roles.
The best places to find a fire ant colony include:
- Lawns
- Playgrounds
- Open fields
- Green areas near pavements
- Forests
- Open land near human dwellings
Fire ants make a nest underground for the colony to live.
Above the nest, they will make mounds of dirt to cover the colony. These mounds can be anywhere from a few inches to a couple of feet high and a few inches to 2 feet wide. The mounds also help to regulate the temperature in the nest below and also protect the nest from activity on the surface.
Threats
They are infamous for their fire ant stings. But fire ants actually sting rather than bite.
A single fire ant can administer multiple stings. What’s worse is that they often attack in a swarm. If you accidentally step into a nest of fire ants, you can be sure that hundreds, possibly thousands of them will come out to attack you.
A single sting is quite painful but not lethal. However, if a large swarm of fire ants attacks you, not only will it be extremely painful, but it could be a serious health risk for people with certain medical conditions.
Fire ants are dangerous because of their sting but can also damage structures.
Since their colonies can be massive, they can very easily eat through the structure of a home to reach food and water. They can cause damage to wiring, plumbing, and the general infrastructure of a building.
Signs of an Infestation
Nest
You can detect an infestation if you spot a fire ant nest or a few dead insects in one area. Things like loose bits of drywall, loose flooring, and even loose cement blocks can signify a fire ant nest underneath.
Fire Ant Stings
Fire ant bites or stings are also a sign.
Their bites usually develop into a blister within 12-24 hours, and they can be quite itchy, followed by an intense burning sensation. Some people are allergic to fire ant sting venom and can develop hives that look like red blisters.
Sting Treatment
If you have been stung by fire ants, the best solution is to wash the area thoroughly with water and soap and then apply ice to the bite to remedy the swelling. If you feel it is turning red, is extremely itchy, or you are feeling nausea, tightness in your throat, or dizziness, have a doctor look at it immediately.
If an adult gets a single bite, it usually isn’t a big problem, but if you get multiple bites, it can require medical attention. If a fire ant bites a child, it is best to consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Contact a pest control professional if you think you have a fire ant infestation. These ants can be dangerous, and their colonies can be very large, so it is best to get professionals to take care of the situation.
To prevent an infestation, avoid leaving any water or food exposed in any area or outside your home. If you have a trash can outside your house, ensure it is properly closed, secured, and emptied frequently.
The main reason for fire ant infestations inside a home is food being available to them. Fire ants are most commonly found in kitchens and living rooms.
Ensuring that there are no resources for them in these areas and that there is no space for them to develop a colony for their ant mounds is the best way to limit the chances of an infestation.
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