US Infestation

How did fire ants arrive in the USA?

Fire ants probably arrived in the USA in soil used as ballast in ships carrying agricultural goods from South America. The ships carried heavy machinery back to South America and therefore removed their ballast in Mobile in USA.

How did fire ants spread in the USA?

Fire ants were first collected in the USA in 1929 and spread quickly through the south eastern states. It is thought the movement of nursery stock was a major contributor to the spread of queens and colonies.

The ants have migrated west towards Mexico along wetter lowlands and irrigated or water land. Isolated colonies have been found in California. The cold temperatures have restricted their spread north (see the climograph figures for Mobile, Alabama).

Construction equipment for roads and landfill are common for means of spread. Following mating in flight, the females are attracted to reflective surfaces such as the tray in a truck and thereby transported further afield.

Educating people in the USA about Fire Ants
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