Reality Stings: Fire Ants Here in Full Force

State agriculture officials said Friday that the infestation of fire ants in Orange County is worse than they first thought: It turns out the stinging insects have colonized at least 50 square miles from Los Alamitos to San Juan Capistrano.

The ant mounds, which officials said are three to five years old, were found by state agriculture crews with the help of residents who called a toll-free hotline that opened this week.

Initially sighted mostly in south Orange County, the insects now have turned up across the map: Anaheim Hills, Buena Park, Foothill Ranch, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Placentia, Portola Hills, Stanton, San Juan Capistrano and Westminster.

These finds were in addition to previous discoveries in Trabuco Canyon, Coto de Caza, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Anaheim and Cypress. Mounds also had been found in nurseries in South El Monte, Pico Rivera and Rosemead in Los Angeles County and the Riverside County city of Indio.

“It appears that they have been there for quite some time,” said Oscar Hidalgo, spokesman for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “These things don’t move so rapidly. What is happening is that residents are becoming more aware that these are not regular anthills.”

Orange County officials discovered the ants two months ago at two nurseries in Trabuco Canyon, but state officials had hoped the infestations were isolated.

“Obviously this is troubling news,” Hidalgo said of this week’s new discoveries. “It is apparent that it is a very widespread problem. We had hoped that we wouldn’t find them in such a variety of places.”

Officials said they will have to continue surveying the area to try to grasp the full extent of the problem before they can work on eliminating the ants--which would be very costly.

“Obviously it becomes more difficult as we look down the line to try and eradicate the pest completely,” Hidalgo said. “Any time we have a pest that is so widespread and well-established, it is very difficult.”

Experts worry that widespread infestation could change life in Southern California in unpleasant ways. The fire ant has led to lifestyle adjustments in 11 Southern states where it is well-established: Children are warned not to play outdoors without shoes, and campers dust campsites with pesticide before pitching tents.

In the worst cases, people with a severe allergy to ant venom have died after stepping on the mounds and being swarmed by the aggressive insects.

Residents are being encouraged to call the hotline to report any suspected fire-ant colonies. The line, (800) 491-1899, is staffed during regular business hours, but those calling after hours can leave a message.

Fire ants live in dome-shaped mounds 6 to 8 inches tall, usually found in very moist areas such as under trees, the edges of lawns and in bedded plants. A disturbed mound can result in an unsuspecting victim being covered with stinging ants. The aggressive behavior of these ants is generally a defensive reaction to perceived threats to food, water or nesting sites.

Residents who want to treat any mounds of ants on their property should first consult their local nursery. Fliers are being printed and soon will be distributed at local nurseries and libraries.

“The best way to avoid getting bit is to avoid them and not to bother any ant colonies,” Hidalgo said. “If you are attempting to eradicate them, use every precaution to avoid getting stung.”