Red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta, is an invasive species introduced into the United States in the 1930’s from South America. They have since spread throughout the southeastern states, infesting over 330 million acres, and are currently found in much of the NC piedmont and coastal plain (map).

Because of their painful stings and aggressive nature, red imported fire ants can be a pest in gardens, lawns, athletic fields, parks, pastures, and other open spaces. Many products are available to control RIFA, including products containing organic active ingredients. Which product will work best for you depends on where and when you need to control fire ants. The following resources will help you select and use the most effective method for RIFA control.

• Review the slides from "Taking the Fire Out of Red Imported Fire Ants", presented Sept. 4, 2014, at the Chatham County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension: Download PDF
• Baits are the most effective and environmentally friendly method of fire ant control. Learn more about baits and how to use them in this publication from the Southern IPM Center: Download PDF
• Fire ant control materials for homeowners: Alabama Extension fact sheet
• Organic fire ant management: Growing Small Farms website
• Natural, organic, and alternative methods for imported fire ant management: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension fact sheet 
• Fire ant control in vegetable gardens: Clemson Extension fact sheet

Webinars from eXtension:

• June 6, 2014, "Fire Ant Management"
• Sept. 4, 2013, "Fall - A Good Time to Control Fire Ants with Baits"
• Feb. 1, 2013, "Fire Ant Home Remedies - What Works, What Doesn't"

A wealth of information and resources on fire ants and their management are available from eXtension: https://www.extension.org/fire_ants

Use Extension Search to find research based information from Cooperative Extension systems across the U.S.