Red imported fire ant · global overview
One species.
A global challenge.
Explore documented Solenopsis invicta presence, detections and eradication records. Choose a country or territory for the local context and official guidance.
View: World
- Introduced / recorded presence
- Native range
- Detections / response
- Eradication record
Representative regional points, not nest locations. Dot counts do not measure nests or severity, and do not imply that entire regions are infested. Source detail and dates vary; this is not a live outbreak or quarantine map. Zoom into dense areas using the view buttons; regional lists below provide dates and sources.
Sources checked 19 October 2026.
Choose a country or territory
Oceania
Australia
Established in parts; eradication activeEstablished in South East Queensland. Separate NSW detections are under response or surveillance, including the Enfield, Sydney incursion found in September 2026.
Use the guidance for your state. Do not move suspect material or disturb a nest while seeking local advice.
Sources: NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Current page reviewed 2026-10-19; includes 2026-09-23 detection); EPPO country assessment (2021 underlying assessment). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
Regional records and sources
Red points show the main South East Queensland occurrence areas named by the eradication program. Amber points are separately reported detections, including treated sites and ongoing surveillance. Regional centres do not identify affected properties.
- Greater Brisbane, QueenslandEstablished in parts; eradication activepage checked 2026-10-19 · Source
- Logan, QueenslandEstablished in parts; eradication activepage checked 2026-10-19 · Source
- Ipswich, QueenslandEstablished in parts; eradication activepage checked 2026-10-19 · Source
- Gold Coast, QueenslandEstablished in parts; eradication activepage checked 2026-10-19 · Source
- Forest Glen, Sunshine CoastDetection; treatment or surveillance2026-08-06 · Source
- Kunda Park, Sunshine CoastDetection; treatment or surveillance2026-06-09 · Source
- Cotswold Hills, ToowoombaDetection; treatment or surveillance2026-04-27 · Source
- Binna Burra, Scenic RimSuspected / field-identified; treated2026-03-04 · Source
- Moranbah area, QueenslandDetection; treatment or surveillance2025-07-09 · Source
- South Murwillumbah, NSWTreated detection; surveillance2023-11-24 · Source
- Wardell, NSWTreated detection; surveillance2024-01-19 · Source
- Tweed Heads, NSWTreated detection; surveillance2025-07-02 · Source
- Enfield area, Sydney, NSWDetection; active response2026-09-23 · Source
Source documents: National Fire Ant Eradication Program: eradication activities; National Fire Ant Eradication Program: Queensland outlier detections; Central Highlands Regional Council: confirmed fire-ant detection in Moranbah; NSW DPIRD: Red imported fire ants
Asia
Mainland China
Established in partsEstablished in parts of southern and southeastern mainland China. Suspected nests should be reported locally without disturbing them.
The linked reporting advice is from a local agriculture authority. Contact the responsible authority or site manager where you are; FIRE RANT does not receive mainland-China nest reports.
Sources: China Ministry of Agriculture occurrence register (2025-07-30; register covers through 2025-06-30); EPPO country assessment (2021 underlying assessment). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
Regional records and sources
Regional occurrence categories come from the official 2025 technical plan, with separate local-government records for Chongqing and Songjiang, Shanghai. Points represent named affected areas, not entire provinces. Counties in the July 2025 register were not individually mapped.
- Guangdong (affected areas)Recorded presence; main occurrence region2025 · Source
- Central/eastern GuangxiRecorded presence; main occurrence region2025 · Source
- Central/southern FujianRecorded presence; main occurrence region2025 · Source
- Hainan (affected areas)Recorded presence; main occurrence region2025 · Source
- Southern JiangxiRecorded presence; main occurrence region2025 · Source
- Eastern YunnanRecorded presence; main occurrence region2025 · Source
- Southern YunnanRecorded presence; main occurrence region2025 · Source
- Southern SichuanRecorded presence; main occurrence region2025 · Source
- Southern HunanRecorded presence; scattered2025 · Source
- Southern GuizhouRecorded presence; scattered2025 · Source
- Central/southern ZhejiangRecorded presence; scattered2025 · Source
- Central HubeiRecorded presence; scattered2025 · Source
- Chongqing urban areaRecorded regional presence2025-11-05 · Source
- Songjiang, ShanghaiRecorded regional presence2026 · Source
Source documents: 2025 national major plant-pest monitoring and control plans, red imported fire ant annex; Chongqing city landscaping center special fire-ant control action; Shanghai Songjiang agriculture department budget for 2026
Asia
Hong Kong
Established historical recordDocumented at multiple sites. This overview does not identify current nest locations or imply uniform territory-wide infestation.
Sources: Hong Kong AFCD annual report (2005; presence also listed in 2025-07-10 EPPO table); EPPO distribution table (2025-07-10 table update; local underlying date unspecified). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryAsia
Macau
Present; local extent unspecifiedField research and official management references support presence. The current local footprint is not quantified here.
Sources: Macau government-hosted field study (2017 field research); Macau IAM management notice (2023-07-25). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryAsia
Taiwan
Established in partsEstablished particularly in northern Taiwan, with scattered occurrences elsewhere and records on offshore islands. Check the local occurrence list before assuming an area is affected.
Sources: Taiwan National Red Imported Fire Ant Control Center (January 2026 detailed list; August 2026 update advertised on APHIA hub); EPPO country assessment (2016 underlying assessment); Taiwan APHIA current occurrence-list hub (Current hub reviewed 2026-10-19). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
Regional records and sources
These regional records use the accessible January 2026 occurrence list. A later update is advertised by the authority, so check its current list before making local decisions. Listed jurisdictions include scattered occurrences, not continuous infestation.
- Taipei CityListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- New Taipei CityListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- Keelung, Zhongzheng DistrictListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- Taoyuan CityListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- Hsinchu CityListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- Hsinchu CountyListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- Miaoli CountyListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- Yilan CountyListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- Central Hualien CountyListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- Kinmen CountyListed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
- Lienchiang County (Matsu)Listed occurrence, January 20262026-01 · Source
Source documents: National Red Imported Fire Ant Control Center: occurrence-area list
Asia
Japan
Detections; establishment not confirmedRepeated arrivals at ports and in cargo keep surveillance important. The Environment Ministry reports no confirmed establishment in its April 2026 summary.
Sources: Japan Ministry of Environment annual results (2026-04-21). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryAsia
South Korea
Port detections / historical eradication recordEPPO records absence after eradication. Later port detections prompted response, so the older country assessment should not be read as an absence of all subsequent interceptions.
Sources: EPPO South Korea distribution record (EPPO assessment 2017; later official detection notice 2023-08-29); South Korea Ministry of Agriculture later detection notice (2023-08-29). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryEurope
Italy
Introduced; localized in SicilyOfficial records identify parts of the Siracusa area and Acireale in eastern Sicily. The regional response focuses on reporting and limiting spread.
Sources: City of Acireale official notice (2026-05-12); EPPO country assessment (2023 underlying assessment). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
Regional records and sources
The May 2026 official record describes localized establishment around Siracusa and Acireale in Sicily. The dots do not indicate infestation across Italy.
- Siracusa area, SicilyLocalized establishment2026-05-12 · Source
- Acireale, SicilyLocalized establishment2026-05-12 · Source
Source documents: City of Acireale: presence of invasive Solenopsis invicta
North America
United States
Introduced; regional presenceRed imported fire ants occur in the southern United States and parts of California. Stings and mounds affect people, animals and working landscapes.
USDA quarantine guidance covers imported fire ants collectively, including red and black imported fire ants and hybrids. It is not a species-only map.
Sources: USDA APHIS imported fire ant guidance (2026-09-17); EPPO country assessment (2021 underlying assessment). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
Regional records and sources
State records in the 2025 USDA manual use 2017 species information. Current APHIS guidance also covers black imported fire ants and hybrids. New Mexico is omitted following its 2025 quarantine removal. These are regional anchors, not statewide infestation boundaries.
- Alabama (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Arkansas (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Florida (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Georgia (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Louisiana (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Mississippi (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- North Carolina (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Oklahoma (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- South Carolina (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Tennessee (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Texas (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Virginia (parts)Recorded regional presence2017 · Source
- Southern CaliforniaRecorded regional presence2007-01 · Source
Source documents: USDA APHIS Imported Fire Ant Program Manual, distribution section, page 1-4; USDA APHIS Imported Fire Ants; California Department of Public Health: Red Imported Fire Ants
North America
Mexico
Introduced; recorded in several statesSENASICA records presence in Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato and Baja California. Extent within those states is unspecified in the cited 2023 bulletin.
Sources: SENASICA bulletin, page 3 (2023-07-27); EPPO country assessment (2010 underlying assessment). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
Regional records and sources
The official 2023 record names these states. Local extent is unspecified; the markers do not imply that every municipality or property is affected.
- Coahuila (recorded presence)Recorded presence; extent unspecified2023-07-27 · Source
- Nuevo León (recorded presence)Recorded presence; extent unspecified2023-07-27 · Source
- Tamaulipas (recorded presence)Recorded presence; extent unspecified2023-07-27 · Source
- Guanajuato (recorded presence)Recorded presence; extent unspecified2023-07-27 · Source
- Baja California (recorded presence)Recorded presence; extent unspecified2023-07-27 · Source
Source documents: SENASICA phytosanitary monitoring bulletin, 27 July 2023, page 3
North Atlantic
Bermuda
Localized colonies; response ongoingColonies detected in Hamilton Parish and at Hamilton cargo docks in late 2025 were treated. Authorities ask residents to report suspected nests because undiscovered colonies may remain.
Sources: Government of Bermuda fire-ant guidance (Current page checked 2026-10-19; describes November/December 2025 events); Bermuda initial confirmation (2025-11-14). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCaribbean
Puerto Rico
Introduced; widespread recordPuerto Rico has a widespread presence record. USDA guidance covers movement of materials that can carry imported fire ants.
Sources: EPPO Puerto Rico distribution record (2010); USDA APHIS imported fire ant guidance (2026-09-17). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCaribbean
Bahamas
Recorded presence; extent unspecifiedEPPO records presence, but its underlying 2010 assessment does not specify local extent. This is not a current area-by-area survey.
Sources: EPPO Bahamas distribution record (2010). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCaribbean
Antigua and Barbuda
Recorded presence; extent unspecifiedRecorded presence; current local extent has not been verified here.
Sources: EPPO aggregate distribution record (Table updated 2025-07-10; individual assessment date not retrieved). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCaribbean
Montserrat
Recorded presence; extent unspecifiedRecorded presence; current local extent has not been verified here.
Sources: EPPO aggregate distribution record (Table updated 2025-07-10; individual assessment date not retrieved). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCaribbean
Trinidad and Tobago
Recorded presence; extent unspecifiedRecorded presence; current local extent has not been verified here.
Sources: EPPO aggregate distribution record (Table updated 2025-07-10; individual assessment date not retrieved). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCaribbean
Turks and Caicos Islands
Recorded presence; extent unspecifiedEPPO records presence, but its underlying 2010 assessment does not specify local extent. This is not a current area-by-area survey.
Sources: EPPO Turks and Caicos Islands distribution record (2010). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCaribbean
British Virgin Islands
Recorded presence; extent unspecifiedRecorded presence; current local extent has not been verified here.
Sources: EPPO aggregate distribution record (Table updated 2025-07-10; individual assessment date not retrieved). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCaribbean
US Virgin Islands
Recorded presence; extent unspecifiedRecorded presence; current local extent has not been verified here.
Sources: EPPO aggregate distribution record (Table updated 2025-07-10; individual assessment date not retrieved). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCentral America
Costa Rica
Recorded presence; extent unspecifiedEPPO records presence, but its underlying 2010 assessment does not specify local extent. This is not a current area-by-area survey.
Sources: EPPO Costa Rica distribution record (2010). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryCentral America
Panama
Recorded presence; extent unspecifiedEPPO records presence, but its underlying 2010 assessment does not specify local extent. This is not a current area-by-area survey.
Sources: EPPO Panama distribution record (2010). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countrySouth America
Argentina
Native range in partsPart of the native South American range; the marker does not represent the whole country.
Sources: EPPO Argentina distribution record (2010); USDA native-range research (2008-03-22); USDA native-range research (2025). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
Regional records and sources
Representative native-range research localities from the cited historical survey. These are not a current spread survey or new incursions.
- Corrientes areaNative-range record2005-08 · Source
- Formosa areaNative-range record2005-08 · Source
- Rosario/Roldán area, Santa FeNative-range record2005-08 · Source
Source documents: Ahrens, Ross and Shoemaker: phylogeographic structure in the native South American range
South America
Brazil
Native range in partsPart of the native South American range; the marker does not represent the whole country.
Sources: EPPO Brazil distribution record (2010); New Zealand MPI native-range assessment (Assessment 2002; landing-page updated 2025-09-07). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
Regional records and sources
Representative native-range research localities, including historical sampling regions and the separately cited Rondônia record. They are not a current spread survey.
- Southern Mato GrossoNative-range record2005-08 · Source
- Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande regionNative-range record2005-08 · Source
- Western Paraná, Céu Azul regionNative-range record2005-08 · Source
- Central/eastern Rio Grande do SulNative-range record2005-08 · Source
- Rondônia, Porto Velho regionNative-range recordpage checked 2026-10-19 · Source
Source documents: Ahrens, Ross and Shoemaker: phylogeographic structure in the native South American range; CDFA red imported fire ant pest profile: native-range description; EPPO Solenopsis invicta distribution in Rondônia
South America
Paraguay
Native range in partsPart of the native South American range; the marker does not represent the whole country.
Sources: EPPO Paraguay distribution record (2010); New Zealand MPI native-range assessment (Assessment 2002; landing-page updated 2025-09-07). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryOceania
New Zealand
Eradicated; surveillance continuesEarlier incursions were eradicated. Cargo and equipment remain potential entry pathways, making early reporting important.
Sources: EPPO New Zealand distribution record (2010); MPI current identification and reporting guidance (Checked 2026-10-19; publication date not shown). Reviewed 19 October 2026.
↑ Choose another countryHow to read this map
Evidence first. Local details matter.
This overview includes every country and territory recorded as present in the EPPO distribution table dated 10 July 2025, plus separately labelled official detection and response information reviewed on 19 October 2026. Hong Kong and Macau are shown as regional entries. The base map draws coastlines, not political boundaries.
- Species: red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Other ants commonly called “fire ants” are not automatically part of this map.
- Status: native range, introduced presence, recent detection and eradication are different. Some source assessments are old; their dates are displayed rather than treated as a fresh survey.
- Extent: the markers are representative navigation points. They do not define regulated areas or identify a nest, property or neighbourhood. Absence from this map does not establish pest-free status.
- Local action: use the relevant authority’s current identification, reporting and movement guidance. Do not apply another jurisdiction’s treatment rules to your location.
Additional published reports with unresolved current status
The EFSA assessment published in 2023 includes additional historical or literature records for Anguilla, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sint Maarten, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Iraq and French Polynesia. These are not plotted as confirmed current establishment here. Some identification records, including Malaysia and Singapore, have conflicting evidence; the Nigerian record was considered unproven. This page does not resolve those cases.
Coastline artwork: Natural Earth, public domain. No location permission, tracking map service or paid mapping API is used.