Fire ant colonies build mounds on the soil’s surface, a sign of their network of underground tunnels. Fire ants sting repeatedly when they feel threatened, making colony removal necessary.

Researchers thought colder temperatures and higher elevations could stop the march of invasive fire ants. Mother Nature had other ideas.

It's a rule here in the South. Following a heavy rain on Sunday, on Monday your yard becomes a death zone dotted with little, red-clay volcanoes—mounds teeming with fire ants just itching to sting you ...