Characteristics of the European Fire Ant:

1. Two backward-pointing spines on the middle body section, visible only with a magnifying glass.
2. The constricted "waist" has two segments; most native species have only one.
3. Capable of inflicting a painful, burning sting.
4. Build nests in soil under rocks, wood or other debris. Nests are NOT large soil mounds.
5. Usually very abundant with 10-12 nests in a 10 ft x 10 ft area.

Our native ants share some of these features. If you have small, red ants with the above characteristics, their identity should be verified.