Imported Red Fire Ants are a mid-range size ant but are clearly distinguishable by their bite and sting. If you get one on you, simply being a warm-bodied creature is provocation enough to get stung.

 Sarah Prall / Arizona Daily Star 1996

Q: Is there a good, free information source about household insect pests?

A: Yes, the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has many publications online about various insect pests. If you can’t find a particular one, please ask me for directions. There is also an online handbook through the UA Pest Management Center at cals.arizona.edu/apmc/Handbook.html

There also are free workshops on managing pests in and around buildings. These are geared toward people who manage pests for schools and other public buildings but anyone is welcome. The next one is on Oct. 26 in Tucson. Send me an email if you want to attend or learn more about it.

Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Email: plwarren@cals. arizona.edu

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