Fire ants are small ants, from 3 to 6 millimeters in size, and are easily told apart from other ants by their coloration. They have brownish red heads and bodies, and black abdomens. They do not usually invade homes, unless there is an abundant food source. They nest under rocks, planters, bricks, patios, or nearly any other undisturbed object resting on the soil. They will also build mounds reaching heights of 16" in open areas such as yards.

Fire ants mainly consume young plants, seeds, and other insects. They have been known to attack and kill small animals, and will eat nearly any kind of meat; because of this, fire ants cause an estimated $750 million in damages to U.S. agricultural assets each year, including veterinary bills, livestock loss, and crop loss. An estimated $5 billion is spent on fire ant control, medical treatment, and damage resulting from fire ants in the southeastern U.S. each year.

Fire ants are most known for their sting. While medically serious only for those with allergies to the venom, the stings are painful, and this is compounded by the fact that the ants tend to attack in groups (for instance, after someone steps on a mound). The sting(s) will swell and turn red, and will usually form a white pustule, similar to the head of a pimple. It is best not to break this pustule, as this increases the chances of infection.

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