Black Ants vs Fire Ants

It is fairly easy to tell the difference between black ants and fire ants. Black ants can be found just about everywhere, on every continent except for Antarctica. Fire ants, on the other hand, especially the more aggressive red imported fire ants, are typically only found in warmer climates.

Black Ants vs. Fire Ants

Black ants are, for the most part harmless. They come in a variety of sizes and are more of a nuisance than a threat. The common black carpenter ant spends most of its time scavenging food for their colony. Black ants, being omnivorous, will eat almost anything, from fruit to meat to dead insects.

Fire ants, also called red ants, are of two varieties in the U.S. They are the southern fire ant and the red imported fire ant. Due to their aggressive behavior, the red imported fire ant is a target of the United States Department of Agriculture. Stings from red fire ants are very painful, and they will keep stinging if they continue to be disturbed. Their mounds are, however, easy to spot, being up to 2 feet around and 18 inches high in the shape of a dome.

Most fire ants are not the red imported variety but rather the southern variety and therefore relatively harmless. However, if you live in a warm climate, avoid red ants and contact a government pest control facility immediately.