Red Imported Fire Ants Feed On Tissue And Buds Of Almonds
February 12, 2014 
(Photo credit: UC Statewide IPM Program)
Red imported fire ants are easily confused with two native fire ant species in California: the southern fire ant is the most common.
Red imported fire ants are uniformly dark reddish-brown and range from 3 to 6 millimeters long, whereas the southern fire ant is bi-colored with a reddish head and thorax and a dark brown abdomen. Southern fire ants are slightly smaller and range from 2.5 to 4.5 millimeters long.
Red imported fire ants damage the soft plant tissue and growing buds. They also can clog irrigation lines and short-circuit electrical systems. The red imported fire ants are also aggressive, and will sting and attack anything that touches a mound.
The red imported fire ants are not found in all of California, but areas of the state are subject to quarantine regulations. The California Department of Food and Agriculture established the Red Imported Fire Ant hotline (888-4FIREANT or 888-434-7326) to report any suspected occurrence of red imported fire ant in California.
For treatment and management of red imported fire ants, click here.
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