European Fire ants
Small, hot headed, and fiery attitude - these ants are not to be messed with!
What do European fire ants look like?
Workers typically measure between 4–5mm, while queens can grow up to 6mm. These ants are easily recognized by their distinctive fiery coloration, which ranges from red to reddish-brown. They have two nodes connecting the thorax to the abdomen, which has a shiny/glossy appearance. A key distinguishing feature is their two backward-facing spines, setting them apart from other species in the same genus. Their head has a matte appearance, and has small detailed ridges. European fire ants also have 12-segmented antennae with a distinctively bent scape and a four-segmented club. Most importantly, they have a stinger that they will use when disturbed or threatened.
2 backward-facing spines
where do European fire ants nest?
European fire ant nests often go unnoticed because they do not create visible mounds. Instead, their nests have a flat entrance with no noticeable protrusions or structures, making them easy to miss. As a result, people may accidentally step on their nests, which is a costly mistake.​
These ants require high humidity or moist conditions, so they build their nests in areas that provide consistent moisture. Common nesting sites include open grassy areas like lawns and parks, or decaying wood like stumps or mulch, gardens, and shrubs. They also nest underneath objects such as rocks, logs, lawn ornaments, or wood piles. European fire ants do not seek to live inside homes, however, they may wander inside while foraging. If they discover a reliable food source indoors, they may establish nests around the structure for easy access. Since they typically forage within a meter of their nest, proximity to a consistent food source is essential.
Important note!
European fire ants are often spread through the transportation or exchange of infested horticulture products such as: mulch, soil, or potted plants.
What do they eat?
European fire ants have a strong sweet tooth and are attracted to flowers, nectar, and honeydew. Similar to other ant species, they will tend to aphids, cultivating them to feed on the honeydew they produce. In addition to sugary foods, their diet also includes protein sources such as insects, fly larvae, animal remains, and even other ants.
European fire ant colonies
They can have multiple queens per colony, allowing their population to grow rapidly. A single colony can support between 150,000 to 300,000 workers, and once it reaches maximum capacity, they will establish satellite colonies. With multiple nests, each housing thousands of workers, they become highly challenging to control—a characteristic common among invasive species.
Did you know?
The first confirmed European fire ant specimen in Ontario was found in Meaford in 1975. It was one of the first recorded in Canada.
What are the risks of European Fire ants?
Fire Ant Stings
​European fire ants are highly aggressive and capable of delivering painful stings. When their nest is disturbed, they will swarm and sting repeatedly. Their venom causes a burning sensation similar to a wasp sting, with pain lasting from thirty minutes to two hours, and itching persisting for up to a week. In rare cases, their stings can trigger allergic reactions, including, in very rare instances, anaphylactic shock. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to provoke them—simply standing or stepping near their nest can be enough to set them off.
Can restrict access to land
​European fire ants establish satellite colonies less than a meter apart, resulting in a dense population within a small area. In some cases, they can have up to four nests per square meter, each housing thousands of workers. This high concentration can render the surrounding areas completely inaccessible to people and animals. Their aggressive behaviour, combined with their preferred nesting sites, such as lawns, fields, gardens, and woodpiles, creates a recipe for disaster.
damage to our ecosystems
European fire ants are native to Europe and Asia but are an invasive species in Canada. They pose a significant threat to native species, ecosystems, and biodiversity. They possess invasive traits that enable them to thrive in new environments. European fire ants have the added advantage of a painful sting, which they use against small mammals, birds, and other species. Combined with their large, dense populations, this allows them to easily outcompete or eliminate native species. In British Columbia, a study found that in areas infested with European fire ants, native and other ant species were nearly nonexistent. Their displacement of native wildlife disrupts ecosystems by disturbing predator-prey relationships and interfering with pollination, which leads to widespread ecological imbalances.
How to get rid of European fire ants?
If you have noticed European fire ant activity inside or around your home, it is time to call in the pest control experts! Rural Routes Pest Control can provide control for the ant activity you are experiencing.
for more information about our ant control services.