Identifying the different types of red ants

Content Updated: March 12th, 2025

If you’ve spotted big red ants in your yard, it’s natural to assume they might be fire ants. However, the reality is that there are over 700 species of ants in the United States alone, each with its own characteristics and behaviors. Understanding the differences between red ant species can help you manage an infestation and recognize which species may pose a risk. Learn how to identify the red ants in your backyard and how to effectively eliminate them from your property.

Are red ants and fire ants the same?

Not all big red ants are fire ants, and not all fire ants are red in color. In fact, most ants are not actually red; they come in various shades of brown. True fire ants, which are known for their aggressive behavior and painful sting, sport a red or reddish-brown appearance and belong to the genus Solenopsis. Within this genus, there are several species of fire ants, including the Southern fire ant and the Red imported fire ant. In addition to true fire ants, there are other ant species that may be red or reddish in color, such as the velvet ants and certain species of carpenter ants.

Red imported fire ants

Red imported fire ants (RIFA) are the most common red ants in the United States. They are believed to have entered the country from South America through the port of Mobile, Alabama, in the 1930s. It is believed that they traveled here in the ships' ballast tanks, where soil was used for stabilization. Since their introduction, this invasive species has infested land in 15 southeastern states. Physically, these fire ants are small to medium-sized, typically ranging from one-eighth to one-fourth an inch in length. They have a distinctive reddish-brown color with a smooth and shiny surface. Their bodies have a segmented appearance, with two large mandibles used for gripping and carrying objects.

Tropical fire ants

Tropical fire ants also invaded new territories through shipping routes and are almost identical to the RIFA variety. They are similar in size to red imported fire ants, typically ranging from one-eighth to one-fourth an inch in length, with a distinctive reddish-brown color and a smooth, shiny surface. However, the heads of tropical fire ants are larger and more square-shaped. Unlike many ant species, tropical fire ants live in the soil and are most commonly found in dry, coastal areas of Hawaii and the southern United States.

Southern fire ants

Southern fire ants, also known as desert or California fire ants, are found across the Southern United States. The red version prefers a desert-like climate, and its mounds are smaller and looser in form than other varieties. The Southern red fire ant is most commonly encountered in arid regions of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. This species of red ant typically measures about one-eighth to one-fourth an inch in length and has a reddish-brown coloration. They have smooth, shiny bodies with well-defined mandibles and elbowed antennae.

Red harvester ant

Red harvester ants are usually found in arid, sandy environments across the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico, Arizona, California, and parts of Texas. They can also be found in certain regions of Mexico. The red harvester ant has a distinct reddish-brown exoskeleton, which can range from a deep red to a lighter hue. These big red ants have a robust build and can measure between one-fourth and one-half inches in length. They have long, slender legs and antennae, along with powerful mandibles.

Red ant look-alikes

Several species of red ants can easily be mistaken for fire ants due to their reddish-brown appearance and similar characteristics. Here are a few of the most common fire ant lookalikes:

• Carpenter ants: These ants can grow to five-eighths of an inch in size, while most fire ants only grow to be as large as a quarter of an inch. They are often found on trees and plants or near easy food sources indoors, such as pet bowls or sugary spills. Along with other ant species, carpenter ant swarmers are also sometimes mistaken for termites due to their appearance and the fact that they build colonies in wooden structures and trees.

• Tawny crazy ants: This is a relatively new species in North America, but they are quickly gaining dominance in the areas where they are currently found. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin discovered that tawny crazy ants have begun wiping out RIFA colonies and taking over their territory.

• Velvet ants: These ants are actually members of the wasp family. Some species have red bands, and the female velvet ant lacks wings, so their appearance can be similar to red ants. Though the sting of a velvet ant can be painful, these “ants” are not known to be aggressive.

Which red ants are dangerous?

Unless they are fire ants, red ants are generally more annoying or destructive than they are dangerous. While carpenter ants don’t eat wood, they nest in it, which can cause damage to wood structures in your home. Tawny crazy ants do not have stingers, but they can bite. They are also known for building colonies in odd places like pipes, car engines, or computers, and can be very difficult to get rid of.

Fire ants, especially red imported fire ants, will defend themselves by biting and stinging if they feel threatened, and their stings can be both painful and dangerous. When these big red ants sense a threat, they may respond by crawling up the victim to investigate the disturbance. Once the person realizes ants are crawling on him or her and reacts by brushing them off or something similar, the ants will likely perceive that as a threat and begin to bite and sting the victim. Each fire ant is also capable of stinging multiple times.

Approximately 1 percent of the population is hypersensitive to ant venom, and for some of those individuals, fire ant stings can cause lethal allergic reactions. Victims who are young, elderly, or have suppressed immune systems are most likely to experience a severe reaction. Even healthy individuals risk experiencing anaphylactic shock if stung multiple times.

What are the signs that a fire ant bite is serious?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you experience the following symptoms after a fire ant bite, it’s important to seek treatment from a medical professional immediately.

• Skin reaction, including hives and swelling, and flushed or pale skin

• Itchiness throughout your body

• Constriction of your airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

• Dizziness or fainting

Avoid coming in contact with fire ants whenever possible. Fire ant mounds can be as large as two feet high and are often found in sunny areas of lawns, pastures, parks, and fields. Mounds may also be present in rotting logs, around stumps and trees, and sometimes under houses and other buildings. If you think you’ve been bitten by a fire ant, it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional.

Getting rid of red ants

Regardless of the species, large red ant colonies can quickly get out of control in the house or the area around it. Eliminating food sources, keeping your yard tidy, and sealing potential entry points can help keep red ants at bay.

If you find big red ants on your property – Terminix can help. Our technicians can safely treat fire ants and help keep your home protected. With a PestFree365+ plan, you can protect your home from fire ants and 38 other common household pests.¹

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