How Far North Are Fire Ants?
WouterFortunately, there are ways to prevent fire ants from invading your home. You can apply baits to the nests. You can also seal cracks in your home to prevent ants from getting inside.
You may be surprised to learn that fire ants are not native to North America. Instead, they were introduced from South America. They were able to spread to the United States by combining two native species.
The imported fire ant is found in thirteen states. It was first introduced into the United States in the 1930s. It is native to Brazil’s Mato Grosso state. It is an aggressive competitor ant species. It is a host to pathogens, parasites, viruses, and nematodes.
Imported fire ants are highly aggressive in nature. They have been known to girdle stems and trunks of young trees. They can also destroy beautiful lawns and landscapes. They are also known to swarm and kill small animals. If you are stung by fire ants, seek medical attention. They are known to bite and sting all at once.
Imported fire ants are a bit larger than their native counterparts. They vary in size from 1/16 to almost 1/4 inch. They are typically found in warm climates, but can also survive colder temperatures.
During the spring and summer, ant numbers vary depending on weather conditions and moisture levels. The number of ants in a colony will decrease during hot, dry summers. However, during the winter, they can survive colder temperatures.
