Numerous ant species are well known pests within homes located in every region of the United States. Some of the most commonly reported ant species found within Texas homes include pavement ants, carpenter ants, crazy ants, and worst of all, red-imported fire ants. Texas is obviously a large state in terms of area, and due to its southern location bordering Mexico, several ant species that are native the South America have journeyed into the state where they quickly established an invasive habitat. One of these species, the crazy ant, is becoming more well known among residents of the lone star state due to its rapidly expanding habitat. While the crazy ant has been documented as causing nuisance infestations that sometimes result in serious damage to appliances, televisions, video game consoles and numerous other electronic devices, the notorious red-imported fire ant remains the most widely feared invasive South American ant species within the state. This fear is well justified, as the red-imported fire ant has caused many deaths within Texas due to its venomous sting, which may trigger serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock. In fact, Texas is second only to Florida in terms of reported red-imported fire ant fatalities..
Unfortunately, the red-imported fire ant is extremely difficult, if not impossible to eradicate from areas where it has established an invasive habitat. This dangerous ant species does not often infest homes, but they frequently infest residential yards where many fatal attacks upon humans have occurred. The first red-imported fire ant sighting in Texas occurred during the 1930s, and since then, this species has spread to every county within the state. Back in 1989, the Fire Ant Subcommittee of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology surveyed nearly 30,000 physicians in order to determine the total amount of fatal anaphylactic shock cases caused by red-imported fire ant stings. The study collected a total of 83 fatal anaphylactic shock deaths that resulted from red-imported fire ant stings, 22 of which occurred in Florida followed by 19 that occurred within Texas. This study was conducted 30 years ago, and since then, the red-imported fire ant has increased its habitat substantially within the US.
Have you ever encountered red-imported fire ants?
