Household Ants in Malaysia
(JPS NA & CY Lee)Red Imported Fire Ant: Facts, Identification & Control
Solenopsis invicta
Characteristics:
Small to large shining, dark brown gaster with remainder of body reddish. Multiple worker sizes, often forage in distinct trails. Mounds in soil during wet season are dome-shaped with many openings. Highly aggressive. If disturbed ants will rush out and attack in large numbers.
Nest Sites & Characteristics:
Nest in exposed soil or lawns, especially bordering concrete or pavement. After rainfall, nests in sandy soil are rebuilt with sponge-like surface. If disturbed, workers will pour out of the mound and up the leg of the offender. Nests have single queens in most areas, but multiple queen nests exist. Alates are large, rotund, winged ants that fly early summer at high altitudes then land, remove wings and may congregate in groups in cracks and crevices on the ground or under objects..
Diet:
