The European Fire Ant is a small, reddish-orange ant introduced from Europe that has become a serious invasive pest in northeastern North America. Unlike most ants, it forms super-colonies with multiple queens and can achieve extraordinarily high densities, outcompeting native ant species. Workers sting readily and in large numbers when disturbed, posing problems for gardeners and sensitive individuals.
Best time to see a European Fire Ant
The best time to see a European Fire Ant is April–July, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 223 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a European Fire Ant? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent European Fire Ant sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an European Fire Ant?
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