ants can wreak havoc, but its really not JUST invasive fire ants, Theirs also other ants too, and their aren't just fire ants in Southern states, they are just cause they are more noticeable, the size of the mature mounds you usualy cant miss, but keep in mind their are hundred species of ants that sting in the USA, but not all ants sting. Fire ants just have a more powerful sting. Just want to get that out of the way now, all adult ants (the ones you see out and about) need something sugary in their diet. Honey just is a perfect source. Some people stick their hive stands in coffee cans full of oil, some sprinkle cinnamon around the base of the hive like mentioned. Insecticides work just as well too.
theirs lots of remedies to ants if they are bothering you and you don't have to kill them. Unless they are in you're house, but don't go around saying you have Carpenter ants unless you are 100 percent on the species!