Invasive Ants Being Accidentally Shipped Worldwide
- 11 years ago
Since they’re small and can easily go unnoticed nesting inside any number of exports and imports, invasive ants are rapidly spreading all over the globe.
Since they’re small and can easily go unnoticed nesting inside any number of exports and imports, invasive ants are rapidly spreading all over the globe.
The problem is particularly noticeable in areas where the ants being introduced are stronger than the ones who’ve been there a while.
Another thing that doesn’t help is when other natural enemies and conditions haven’t yet developed a means of extinguishing them or at least weeding out their populations.
A study done in Spain suggests that the matter is far more pervasive than anyone previously thought. They estimate that there are as many as 770 species taking up residence in places they’ve never been before.
In the US, one of the biggest pests has become what’s commonly known as the crazy ant.
They’ve been reported to be particularly pesky throughout many parts of Texas where they’re taking over fire ant populations.
By the time someone wishes the fire ants were back, you know it’s bad.
That’s been the sentiment, though, as the crazy ants are so invasive, they can even occupy and destroy electronics.
Globally, not all new ants establish themselves, but when they do they can have a great impact on the ecosystem.
Since they’re small and can easily go unnoticed nesting inside any number of exports and imports, invasive ants are rapidly spreading all over the globe.
The problem is particularly noticeable in areas where the ants being introduced are stronger than the ones who’ve been there a while.
Another thing that doesn’t help is when other natural enemies and conditions haven’t yet developed a means of extinguishing them or at least weeding out their populations.
A study done in Spain suggests that the matter is far more pervasive than anyone previously thought. They estimate that there are as many as 770 species taking up residence in places they’ve never been before.
In the US, one of the biggest pests has become what’s commonly known as the crazy ant.
They’ve been reported to be particularly pesky throughout many parts of Texas where they’re taking over fire ant populations.
By the time someone wishes the fire ants were back, you know it’s bad.
That’s been the sentiment, though, as the crazy ants are so invasive, they can even occupy and destroy electronics.
Globally, not all new ants establish themselves, but when they do they can have a great impact on the ecosystem.