Fire Ants

For a detailed look at fire ants at Virginia Tech go to:  Fire Ants  If, after visiting this site, you still feel that the sample is that of the RIFA (Red Imported Fire Ant) infestation have the customer gather, (safely), as many samples as possible. It is very difficult to identify as a RIFA without the use of a microscope.  The samples will be sent by the local extension agent to Virginia Tech for positive identification.

Note:  If you positively identify a sample as a fire ant, please notify the local county extension agent ASAP or immediately contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Office of Plant & Pest Services. To contact the VDACS Office of Plant & Pest Services call (804) 786-3515 or (800) 552-9963 or visit the VDACS website at http://www.vdacs.state.va.us

Reference(s):