Red Imported Fire Ant Farmer Self-Inspection Checklist

Don't move fire ants! Before moving hay and equipment out of areas near Red Imported Fire Ant infestations, use this checklist with your vehicles, equipment, and products.

The Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) is an invasive insect. These ants are extremely aggressive, red to brown in color, and have two segments on the waist and a stinger on the end of the body. RIFAs were found in Hampton, Virginia in 1989 and by 2022 have spread to 25 counties and cities, 18 of which are under quarantine (see map below). RIFA is found in loose, uncompacted soil in hay fields, row crops, roadsides, and pastures. Soil picked up by combines, planters, cultivators, plows, hay bales, and earth moving equipment can harbor and move fire ants. Movement of fire ants and equipment that can harbor fire ants is regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). This applies to movement from inside the quarantine area to outside. Movement within the quarantine is not regulated.

Self-Inspection Checklist for Farmers

___ Keep copies of this sheet in vehicles used in fire ant infested locations

Date ____________ Farm inspector______________________________

Before loading hay and other items stored outside, check for soil that may harbor fire ants:
___ Harvest equipment (e.g. combines, balers, tractors and trailers)
___ Hay that has not been stored on a pallet or hard surface

Before leaving a farm check for soil and fire ants on:
___ Earth moving equipment
___ Trailer landing gear
___ Planters, cultivators, plows, and combines
___ Outriggers on equipment
___ Wheel wells and suspension of vehicles

Check equipment that has been stored outside for a long period of time:
___ Trailers
___ Portable buildings
___ Electrical junction boxes
___ Fuel tanks

If you find fire ants:
___ Sweep them off with a broom.
___ Power wash the soil and ants off equipment.
___ Apply bait treatment if control is needed.
___ Contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension Office for information.
___ Report them to VDACS if outside of the quarantine area.

Figures from left: VDACS quarantine map, https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/fire-ant-quar-map.pdf; RIFA adult, Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org; fire ant mound (2 photos) by Eric Day.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.  2022