One of the most common types of ants you’ll find in North Carolina – and indeed the United States at large – are what’s called black fire ants . These are not regular old Florida red fire ants, however. These are a separate species altogether.What types of ants are common in North Carolina? The most common type of ant found here is the black fire ant, Linepithema humile. Fire ants live in small mounds that are made up of hundreds or thousands of individual ants. These mounds may be built in your yard, or they may be near your home, underneath a structure’s foundation. Fire ant nests can also be seen in areas around trees and shrubs.

North Carolina Red Ants

Introduction

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), also known as the fire ant or RIFA, is a species of ant native to South America. A member of the genus Solenopsis in the subfamily Myrmicinae, it was described by Swiss entomologist Felix Santschi as a variant in 1916. Its current valid name is Solenopsis invicta, and it is known colloquially as the red imported fire ant or RIFA. This invasive species has been transported worldwide by ships and planes to countries including Australia, New Zealand, several Asian and Caribbean nations, and the United States. The red imported fire ant ranges from southern Brazil north through Paraguay to southern Bolivia; at elevations between sea level and 1,800 m (5,900 ft). It can be found in upland grasslands and pastures, open areas of mixed pine-hardwood forests or loblolly pine plantations; its ability to exploit nearly any habitat that provides food and adequate moisture has allowed colonies to expand over thousands of square miles. Once established outside its native range, it often displaces native ants entirely; however it does not usually enter closed-canopy forests.

The ant’s venom contains a type of chemical called piperidine alkaloids that can trigger allergic reactions in some people, including anaphylaxis.

The ant’s venom contains a type of chemical called piperidine alkaloids that can trigger allergic reactions in some people, including anaphylaxis. While the exact components of this substance are not yet known, one study found that laboratory mice exhibited anaphylactic reactions to Piper aduncum extract, a compound found in Piper aduncum plants (the Latin name for red ants).

The most common symptoms of red ant bites are:

• pain or itching at the bite site
• redness and swelling around the bite area

Their bite produces an intense burning sensation that lasts for up to 10 minutes.

Fire ant bites can cause a burning sensation that lasts up to 10 minutes. The pain is similar to that of a bee or wasp sting, but more intense. The bite may also cause swelling and redness around the bite site, as well as itching and discomfort. Fire ant bites can cause allergic reactions in some people, including anaphylaxis (a severe reaction).

Fire ant bites are painful, but they usually aren’t fatal. However, if you have an allergy to fire ants or other stinging insects, you may experience symptoms such as hives; swelling of the tongue and lips; shortness of breath; difficulty swallowing; dizziness; fainting; wheezing; nausea or vomiting; chest pain (angina); lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

A yellow jacket sting is known to last only a few seconds while a fire ant bite lasts until the burning chemical is neutralized.

While a yellow jacket sting is known to last only a few seconds, a fire ant bite can last for hours. It’s the combination of the two that you have to worry about. Stingers don’t hurt as much as bites, but they do cause reactions in some people that make them feel sick or dizzy.

Bites from both types of insects are painful and may cause swelling. The body responds by releasing histamines and other chemicals into the bloodstream, which causes inflammation around the wound site—and sometimes elsewhere on your body (for example, if you’re bitten in your finger). Because bites often cause multiple injuries at once, you might see swelling or discoloration in multiple areas depending on where you were bitten and how many ants attacked you at one time:

Consumer Reports suggests making a paste out of baking soda and water, then applying it to the affected area.

• Apply baking soda paste to the affected area.
• Remove pustules with a sterile needle or tweezers, if necessary.
• Rinse the affected area with warm water.
• Apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling, if necessary.

The ants deliver multiple stings in rapid succession often resulting in raised white pustules.

If you’re stung by a fire ant, you’ll know it. The ants deliver multiple stings in rapid succession often resulting in raised white pustules. These bites can cause anaphylaxis and even death if left untreated.

Fire ants were introduced to the United States in the 1930s after being accidentally brought over from South America where they are native. Today fire ants are found throughout most of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama as well as parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Georgia (see map above).

As opposed to the single sting of most other ants, fire ants bite with their jaws and then sting (from their abdomen) repeatedly in what is called “sting piles” or “fire”.

As opposed to the single sting of most other ants, fire ants bite with their jaws and then sting (from their abdomen) repeatedly in what is called “sting piles” or “fire”. They repeatedly try to bite the same spot, creating a chain of stings. A typical ant’s venom includes compounds that stop blood from clotting (heparin), which allows the ants’ venom to pool in wounds, causing local tissue damage and inflammation. The repeated stings cause multiple organ failure.

These reactions may appear within 12 hours and can be life-threatening.

Allergic reactions to fire ant stings are rare, but they can be dangerous. Doctors urge anyone who has a severe allergic reaction to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Reactions are more common in children, the elderly and those with other health conditions. Symptoms include hives, itching and swelling that may affect any part of your body; nausea; difficulty breathing or swallowing; dizziness; chest tightness; fainting and pale skin that may turn blue if left untreated.

Fire Ants are gruesome little creatures

The fire ant is a large, red insect that can grow up to one inch long. They’re not picky about their food and will feast on almost anything, including plants, insects and even small animals. They are known to bite humans and animals with their powerful jaws. Fire ants are also aggressive pests that destroy crops by attacking plants and feeding on them until they die.

The best way to control these pests is with the help of professional exterminators who use pesticides approved by state officials such as the North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service (NCAES) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed learning all about these fascinating creatures. Red ants are a very interesting species and if you have any more questions feel free to get in contact with us.