21 Facts About Fire Ants

“Fire ant” is a general term used to describe at least 280 different species of Solenopsis bugs.

The common name “fire ant” stems from two important details about the insect. First, their coloring is red, giving them a fire-like exterior. Secondly, these bugs inflict a painful, burning bite on their victims.

They are grumpy – fire ants will pretty much attack anything that they feel is intruding on their colony.

Fire ants are omnivores, meaning they eat everything. They sustain themselves mostly on plants and seeds; however, they will also eat small animals as well.

Most people will feel moderate to severe discomfort when bitten by these bugs. Some humans are highly allergic to the venom in a fire ant bite, which can prove fatal.

In some cases, fire ants have attacked specific bugs to extinction. They’ve been known to target a specific bee species, enter its hive, and consume the hive’s food source, ensuring the bees ultimately starve.