Houston We Have a Problem: Crazy Ants Have Invaded!

4 years ago Nature

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/26556/2015757010102347975S600x600Q85.jpgPhoto:
Photographically enlarged crazy ants. Image from Joe Lencioni

Millions of crazy rasberry (yes, that's what they're called, no, it's not a misspelling) ants are swarming over Houston, annoying residents and choking electronics that aren't prepared to ward off tiny invaders. The ants, named after the exterminator Tom Rasberry, who in Texas waged the first (unsuccessful) fight against them in 2000, are about the size of a flea and have currently spread to five counties in the area.

The ants are an invasive pest, probably entering the port of Houston from the Carribean, where they're widely found and known simply as "crazy ants." While they're not completely understood, it is known that they are attracted to electronics and that they eat fire ants; the giants with painful bites that anyone who grew up in the American south knows to treat with caution.

Thank goodness there are some benefits to the creatures establishing themselves! According to the expert entomologists employed by the state of Texas, it's long past the point that the invaders could be repulsed.

That's not stopping exterminators of course, who have noticed that the crazy ants are immune to typical poisons and have begin to pester the EPA for permission to use more powerful pesticides. That might lead to be a catastrophic decision – therefore its entirely likely to be approved by the Bush-era EPA, due to the widespread use of chemicals that have a dangerously long residual effect.

[AP]

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Comments

Old Comments

Doctorate Online says

Feb 5th, 2009 at 12am
This is the first I've heard of the "crazy ants" although I've lived in Houston since 1983. I ahd no idea there were ants attracted to electrical items; I think I had better check my air conditioning unit regularly during the coming summer months to be sure its not getting clogged with these little unwanted visitors. At least, as you say, they do perform one good service - getting rid of fire ants. I'd prefer neither, though.

Valerie says

May 19th, 2008 at 12am
With the current rampage of fire ants here in Texas, this might be the earth's way of saying "Hey, there are too many of you! Thus, entering a new ant to take care of the 'over population of fire ants'."

Eric says

May 16th, 2008 at 12am
While we've never been invaded by this species, we've discouraged hordes of ants from invading our home by sprinkeling baby powder along their path. They don't come back to that spot for a very long time. I've been told that the fine powder irritates them and makes it difficult for them to walk. I do believe a few get killed in the dusting, but most just run off. Non-poisonous, and it smells nice.