The answer to 'fire ant odor' is that fire ants release a strong, unpleasant odor when their nest is disturbed. This odor is caused by the chemicals they use to communicate and defend their colony. The odor is often described as a pungent, rotten, or acidic smell that can linger in the area for some time after the disturbance.
Dealing with fire ant odor typically requires addressing the underlying fire ant infestation. This may involve using insecticides or baits to eliminate the colony, or physical removal of the nest. In some cases, the odor may persist even after the ants have been eliminated, and additional cleaning or deodorizing may be necessary.