The Government has released online guidelines on how to identify one of the world’s most invasive insects.

A spokesman said early detection of red imported fire ants, identified in Hamilton parish in November and at the City cargo dock a month later, “remains our strongest tool to prevent the spread, the risk of which will increase in the hotter months when they are likely to reproduce and spread”.

The ant, Solenopsis invicta, is known to cause significant environmental damage and produce painful stings that persist for days.

Homeowners and landscapers should look for small soil piles, found in early colonies, mounds of up to 18in, reddish-brown ants up to 6mm long and unexpected or painful stings while mowing or gardening.

Members of the public should not disturb suspected mounds as the species can become aggressive when threatened.

All suspected fire ant sightings should be reported with photographs and co-ordinates via fireants@gov.bm, especially if stings occur unexpectedly.

• Further guidelines, including how to control the insect population, are available atgov.bm/fire-ants