I really need some help. They have already killed 3 of my plants and I don't know what they are or how to stop them. My plants are in containers so I am having to change all the potting soil.
You have Fire Ants aka Red Fire Ants. They are native to South America and have traveled to most parts of the lower half of the US and some other countries. You will need to get some Fire Ant killer to sprinkle on them and make sure you don't accidently step in a bed of them. Their sting, which creats a large blister, hurts like the dickens. And yes they do eat plants.
Thanks. I couldn't figure out what they were since I have never seen fire ants that big. We have fire ants here but the only ones I have ever seen have been really small.