Fire ants are a common concern for homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts in New Jersey. Their aggressive behavior and painful, venomous stings pose a threat. Understanding identification and prevention measures is valuable for residents.
Fire Ant Presence in New Jersey
Fire ants are found in New Jersey, including the invasive Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta) from South America. While RIFA is widely established across the southern United States, its presence in New Jersey is typically limited to isolated incidents, often linked to accidental transport of nursery stock, soil, or landscaping materials. State agencies work to contain and eradicate these isolated populations when detected, meaning widespread RIFA infestations are not common.
Alongside RIFA, another species, the European Fire Ant (Myrmica rubra), has established a presence in New Jersey. This species, introduced to North America in the early 1900s, is known for its aggressive stinging behavior and ability to thrive in humid environments, particularly along the New England coastline.
How to Identify Fire Ants
Identifying fire ants involves observing their physical characteristics and the distinctive mounds they construct. Worker ants are relatively small, typically 2 to 6 millimeters long, with coloration varying from reddish-brown to black, often with a copper-brown head and a darker abdomen. A key distinguishing feature is their two-segmented pedicel, which appears as two bumps or nodes between their thorax and abdomen.
Fire ants build dome-shaped mounds of loose soil that lack a central opening, unlike many other ant species. These mounds can appear suddenly, especially after rainfall, and vary in size from a few inches to over 18 inches in height. When a fire ant mound is disturbed, the ants exhibit aggressive behavior, swarming out rapidly to sting.
Stings and Immediate Action
A fire ant sting delivers a burning sensation, which is how they earned their name. Within an hour, the sting site typically develops a red bump with a raised white center, which progresses into a pus-filled blister (pustule) within 24 hours. These pustules are often very itchy and painful; scratching them can lead to secondary bacterial infections. The blisters usually open on their own within a few days and then dry up, with complete healing often taking 7 to 10 days.
For immediate relief, wash the affected area gently with soap and water. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can alleviate itching, and if blisters break, applying an antibiotic ointment helps prevent infection. Seek medical attention if signs of a severe allergic reaction develop, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, dizziness, nausea, or chest pain.
Prevention and Management
Preventing fire ant infestations involves maintaining outdoor spaces and being cautious with imported materials. Regularly mowing your lawn and keeping tall grasses and weeds to a minimum can make your yard less attractive to these ants. Removing debris like large rocks, logs, or boards from the ground also helps eliminate potential nesting sites. When purchasing potted plants, mulch, or bulk soil, inspect them thoroughly before bringing them home, as fire ants can hitch rides on these items.
If a fire ant infestation is suspected or confirmed, especially for the Red Imported Fire Ant, professional pest control is often recommended due to eradication difficulty and the potential for multiple queens. While some home remedies exist, their effectiveness can vary, and proper chemical treatments may be necessary. For confirmed sightings of Red Imported Fire Ants, report them to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, as state agencies manage and contain these invasive populations.