When people refer to “red ants” infesting homes and yards, they typically mean fire ants, specifically the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta. These ants, originally from South America, have become a widespread pest in many parts of the world, including the southern United States. They are known for their aggressive nature and painful stings, and their presence around human dwellings is often driven by the availability of resources. Understanding what draws these ants to certain environments can help in managing their populations.
Primary Food Sources
Fire ants are omnivores, consuming plant and animal matter. Their nutritional needs are met by carbohydrates (sugars), lipids (fats), and protein. Worker ants primarily consume liquids, as they cannot ingest solid food particles larger than two microns. Solid foods are often processed by larvae, which liquefy the food with digestive enzymes before it is distributed to the colony.
Sugary substances are a significant attractant, providing necessary carbohydrates for energy. These can include nectar from plants, fruit, sugary drinks left outdoors, or honeydew produced by sap-sucking insects like aphids, which fire ants may even tend for this sweet excretion. Proteins are also highly sought after, especially during periods of colony growth in spring and summer. Common protein sources include dead insects, earthworms, spiders, pet food, or human food scraps.
Fats and oils (lipids) are also essential. Greasy foods and pet food are particularly attractive due to their high fat content. Fire ants are opportunistic foragers, readily consuming almost anything. This makes homes and yards with accessible food sources highly appealing. Their diverse diet ensures the colony receives varied nutrients for survival and reproduction.
Water and Nesting Locations
Beyond food, fire ants require consistent access to water, particularly in dry conditions. Common household and yard water sources, such as leaky pipes, condensation from air conditioning units, pet water bowls, or standing water in clogged gutters or bird baths, can draw them in. The presence of readily available moisture encourages them to establish colonies nearby.
Fire ants prefer open, sunny areas for nests, as the sun’s heat helps regulate colony temperature and promotes ant development. While they can nest in almost any soil type, they favor disturbed soil, lawns, pastures, and areas along sidewalks or driveways. Nests can also be found under objects like rocks, logs, or even in utility boxes.
Indoors, fire ants may establish nests in wall voids, under floors, or in areas with accessible soil like basements or crawl spaces, especially if moisture is present. These locations provide shelter, stability, and protection from the elements and predators, making them ideal for colony expansion. Their ability to adapt nesting habits to various environments, including human structures, contributes to their pervasive presence.
Strategies to Deter Red Ants
Controlling attractants is a primary method for deterring fire ants from homes and yards. Maintaining good sanitation is a primary preventative measure, as fire ants are scavengers drawn to food spills. This involves promptly cleaning up food and drink spills, storing all food, including pet food, in sealed, airtight containers, and regularly cleaning pet food bowls. Disposing of trash in tightly sealed bins also removes a significant food source.
Controlling moisture around the property is equally important to make the environment less hospitable for fire ants. Fixing leaky pipes, ensuring proper drainage around the foundation, and eliminating sources of standing water can reduce their access to this resource. Addressing any moisture issues within the home, such as in wall voids, can also prevent indoor nesting.
Exclusion methods prevent ants from entering structures. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, walls, windows, and utility entry points can block their access into homes. Even small openings can serve as entry points for these tiny insects. Regular maintenance of the yard also helps deter fire ants.
Keeping vegetation trimmed, removing debris, and addressing potential nesting sites like piles of logs or rocks can make the outdoor environment less appealing. Since fire ants prefer open, sunny areas, maintaining a tidy yard reduces the number of suitable locations for new mounds. These combined strategies reduce the allure of a property, making it less likely for fire ants to establish colonies.