Red Imported Fire Ants

Scientific Name:

Solenopsis invicta

How to identify Red Imported Fire Ants:

Red imported fire ant (RIFA) (Solenopsis invicta) is one of the worst invasive species to reach Australia’s shores, and continues to be the target of a national cost-shared eradication programs. Red important fire ants can be identified by the following features:

• Body is a reddish colour with shiny dark brown abdomen with stinger

• Large eyes and 3 teeth at the front of the head

• Petiole with 2 nodes, no spines on thorax

• 10 segmented antennae with 2 segmented club

• Extremely aggressive

• Workers are different sizes ranging from 2-5mm in length

For chemical solutions and treatments for Red Imported Fire Ants, please see our recommended products below.