What You Need to Know About Imported Fire Ants in the Hampton Roads Area

Reports of imported fire ants in Hampton Roads and throughout the rest of Virginia have many residents concerned, and for good reason. But don’t be alarmed – arm yourself with information so that you’ll be able to handle this pest issue with confidence!

What Are Imported Fire Ants?

Imported fire ants are an invasive species originally from South America and were introduced to the United States via the port of Mobile, Alabama, in the 1930s. Since then, these aggressive ants have spread across the southern U.S., including parts of Virginia – and their presence in Hampton Roads has recently made headlines.

These ants are known for their fiery sting and highly territorial colonies. Their reddish-brown bodies measure about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, and they live in large mounds that can appear almost overnight in yards, parks, and pastures. Unlike some native ant species, imported fire ants respond rapidly and aggressively when their nests are disturbed. When that happens, they’ll deliver painful stings that can cause pustules, allergic reactions, or worse in sensitive individuals.

Why Are They a Concern?

The biggest issue with imported fire ants is their aggression and potential to inflict painful stings. This is especially problematic for children and pets, who may disturb the nests during outdoor play. Their presence also complicates landscaping, gardening, and outdoor recreation, especially when mounds are built in high-traffic areas.

From an ecological standpoint, imported fire ants displace native ant species, disrupt local ecosystems, and damage crops. They can also interfere with electrical equipment by nesting in utility boxes and transformers, which could cause short circuits or outages.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has implemented quarantine zones to help prevent their spread. These zones place restrictions on the movement of soil, plants, and other materials that might harbor fire ant colonies.

How to Spot Fire Ant Activity

Be on the lookout for dome-shaped mounds of loose soil, often found in sunny, open areas like yards, fields, or roadsides. These mounds may not have a visible entrance on top, as the ants tend to tunnel out from the sides.

If these mounds are disturbed, the imported fire ants inside will swarm aggressively. Their sting typically results in a burning sensation followed by a white pustule. If you see these mounds or experience multiple stings while outdoors, there’s a chance imported fire ants are to blame.

Mosquito Squad Can Help

While it’s not quite feasible to eradicate these pests completely from Virginia, there are reliable ways to help reduce their numbers and discourage them from settling in your yard. That’s where Mosquito Squad of Hampton Roads comes in.

Our team offers professional pest control solutions designed to target a variety of nuisances – including invasive species like imported fire ants. With our Yard Defender pest package, for example, we’ll assess your property to identify trouble spots and apply targeted treatments to help manage ant activity and deter new mounds from forming.

We understand how quickly these pests can take over a space. That’s why our treatments are part of a proactive, ongoing approach to help protect your outdoor spaces. With Mosquito Squad, you can feel more confident enjoying your yard without the constant worry of hidden ant mounds.

Stay Informed, Stay Protected

Want to know more about how we help Hampton Roads residents manage pests like imported fire ants? Give us a call for a free quote or fill out our contact form online. We’re here to help you fight back against ants, mosquitoes, ticks, and more!