Sometimes, a name is all it takes to know what something is all about. A name like “little fire ant” doesn’t leave much to the imagination. This critter may be tiny, but it’s definitely no fun. Meet todays invasive species villain, the little fire ant, as part of our National Invasive Species Awareness Week campaign.
From the ant’s native home in Central and South America, berths on potted plants have brought it to the Pacific. Populations on Guam and the Hawaiian islands now harm humans, their pets, and other native insects. A sting from one e of these ants brings an acute pain, with intense itching lasting two weeks or more. Encounters with large infestations only multiplies the experience. These ants are difficult to detect on or under clothing and are easily dislodged from trees and plants while gardening. Multiple stings in pets’ eyes can eventually lead to blindness. And of course, like other invasives, they outcompete and displace their native counterparts. To learn more, including ways to prevent their spread: http://bit.ly/2m5cjND
Photo credit: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
#NISAW
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