The answer to 'why is my fire ant odor' is that fire ants release a pheromone-like chemical when their nest is disturbed, which can produce a strong, unpleasant smell. This odor is a defense mechanism to alert other ants in the colony and deter potential threats.
The fire ant odor is often described as a sharp, unpleasant, or even acrid smell. It's typically most noticeable when you accidentally step on or disturb a fire ant mound, as this triggers the release of the defensive chemicals. The odor can linger in the area for a short time after the disturbance.