A Midwesterner's Guide to Fire Ants in Iowa

Fire ants are a growing concern in the U.S., particularly in warmer states like North Carolina, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico. But could they become a problem in Iowa?

While not as common as carpenter ants, pavement ants, or odorous house ants, they have been spotted in nearby states, raising concerns about their potential spread.

If you're a homeowner in Des Moines or elsewhere in Iowa, it’s important to understand what types of ants you might encounter, how to spot a fire ant infestation, and what pest control measures to take.

Key Takeaways

• Fire ants are known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior, and they may spread to Iowa soon.
• These ants build large mounds, swarm when disturbed, and can be identified by their reddish-brown color and size.
• They pose risks to people, pets, and crops, making them a serious threat to Iowa’s environment and agriculture.
• Preventing infestations requires checking the soil, keeping yards maintained, and calling professionals for treatment.

Are Fire Ants in Iowa?

The red imported fire ant is best known for its painful sting and aggressive behavior. While they are not yet widespread in Iowa, their presence is expanding.

Given that these ants continue to spread throughout much of the southern United States, there is potential for them to reach the state in the future, especially if climate conditions become more favorable.

Unlike common ants in Iowa, they prefer open, sunny areas and create large ant mounds in lawns, fields, and roadsides. They thrive in disturbed soil, threatening farmers, and outdoor workers.

How to Identify Fire Ants

Fire ants can be mistaken for other ant species, such as thief ants or yellow ants, but they have distinct features:

If you spot a large ant colony exhibiting aggressive behavior, don’t disturb it. They swarm quickly and will defend their nest with painful bites.

Why Fire Ants Are a Problem

Fire ants are more than just an annoyance.

Unlike carpenter ants—which can damage wood structures—or grease ants, which invade kitchens, they pose serious risks:

Aggressive Swarming & Stings

Fire ants attack in large numbers, delivering a painful sting that results in red welts and pustules. In severe cases, their venom can cause allergic reactions requiring medical attention.

Damage to Property & Crops

Their large ant mounds can disrupt lawns, damage plant roots, and even interfere with electrical equipment They are also known to attack crops, making them a threat to Iowa’s agriculture.

Threat to Pets & Livestock

Fire ants prey on small animals and have been known to kill young livestock by repeatedly stinging them. Pets are also vulnerable, especially if they unknowingly disturb a fire ant colony.

Competition with Native Ant Species

Fire ants aggressively displace common ants in Iowa, such as pavement ants, odorous house ants, and thief ants, disrupting local ecosystems.

How to Prevent Fire Ants in Iowa

Preventing a fire ant infestation is crucial since their colonies are difficult to eliminate. Here’s what you can do:

• Inspect new soil, sod, or mulch before adding it to your yard, especially if it comes from states with known infestations.
• Reduce food sources by keeping outdoor eating areas clean and sealing garbage.
• Keep your lawn maintained to prevent them from establishing nests in overgrown areas.
• Seal cracks and entry points around your home to keep ants from invading.

Fire ants are not like other Iowa ants—once they infest an area, they’re incredibly hard to get rid of without professional ant control.

What to Do If You Find Fire Ants

Fire ants may not be common in Iowa yet, but if you think you've spotted them, it’s important to act fast. Misidentification is easy, and the last thing you want is an aggressive ant colony establishing itself in your yard.

At Miller Pest & Termite, we know how to correctly identify ant species and provide the most effective treatment. They are persistent, and an incomplete treatment can make the problem worse. Here’s how we can help:

• Baits – Slow-acting but effective, baits are carried back to the colony, eventually killing the queen.
• Direct mound treatment – Our exterminators use specialized treatments that kill them on contact.
• Long-term control – Monitoring and reapplication of treatments can help prevent re-infestation.

We proudly serve Des Moines and beyond. If you need urgent help, give us a call today!