Question
We live in Central WI.  Over the last two years it seems as if we have been accumulating ants in our yard.  I believe them to be fire ants but from what I have read, those are only in the southern states.  These unwanted critters are black and red and bite or have a sting when we come in contact with them.  We have been finding them  in landscaping, under rocks and around plants.  Also when we move decomposed wood we are swarmed with ants.  Is there another species in this neck of the woods or could these be fire ants???  Would these ants also be responsible for the numerous amount of ant hills turning up in our yard?  What is it that is attracting them here?  Thank you so much for your time and knowledge.....A

Answer
A,

It is very unlikely that these are fire ants as this species is not known to occur as far north as central WI. If you just want to reduce the number of ants and mounds (whatever species they are) you can treat these with baits and mound treatments. If you're curious about which species you actually have you'll need to collect a few and get them identified through your Cooperative Extension service and UW at Madison. Check http://www.extension.org for the Extension office near you.

For control try the same procedures as for fire ant control (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/fire_ant.html and follow the link to control). You might also try some of the other ant baits (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/ant_control.html for info) that are used outside like Amdro Ant Bait.

Post a follow up if you have questions after looking over these pages.

Jack DeAngelis