Fire ants are painful and destructive pests. The fire ant earned its name
because of its venom. The insect uses a wasp-like stinger to inject the venom, which
causes a painful burning sensation and leaves tiny, itching pustules. The ants will
swarm over anyone or anything that disturbs their nests. In addition to causing pain,
fire ants damage many crops by eating the plants and by protecting other insects that
damage crops. Fire ants are attracted to soybeans, eggplant, corn, okra, strawberries,
and potatoes.