Warnings Issued on Red Fire Ants

A county official renewed warnings in the San Fernando Valley on Wednesday of the dangers of red imported fire ants after new colonies were discovered in Sylmar.

The 22 mounds found this week in the Carey Ranch development are not the only new Valley sightings of the insect known for invading electrical boxes and creating potentially hazardous conditions. Colonies have also recently been found in Chatsworth and Mission Hills.

Since the first mound was found in Sylmar in September, 65 infestations in that community have been reported to the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures Department, the lead agency in eradicating the aggressive, venomous ants.

A previous colony was discovered near a Van Nuys home in March 1999, but there has been no recurrence there since, officials said.

“This is a lifestyle-changing pest,” said county Agricultural Commissioner Cato R. Fiksdal. “You have health, environment, farm and quarantine issues that you would have to deal with if these ants get out of control.”

County officials said they would soon begin an aggressive bait treatment program to eradicate the colonies before the arrival of hot weather, which brings out the ants.

The pesky insects, which are reddish brown and about one-eighth to one-quarter inch long, bite into the skin with their pincers and pierce the flesh with a barbed stinger that causes a painful blister.

For people not allergic to the stings and bites, secondary infections are the most serious outcome of an attack. About 30 deaths from allergic reactions have been documented.

The ants can also invade outdoor sprinkler systems, underground utility boxes, airport lights and swimming pool pumps, causing major property damage and dangerous situations. Red imported fire ants are a menace to animals, reptiles and birds and also destroy plants.

“They are very aggressive and defensive when they think there is a danger to their colonies,” Fiksdal said.

Those who suspect an infestation should not disturb the mound or colony, but should call the toll-free Fire Ant Hotline at (888) 4FIREANT [(888) 434-7326].

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War Against Insects

The pesky insects, which are reddish brown and about one-eighth to one-quarter inch long, attack in swarms when their nests are disturbed. They eat vegetation, invade structures, and sting animals and humans.

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Red Fire Ant

BACKGROUND: The insect is a major problem in Southern California and elsewhere in the southern United States. The ant has an excruciating sting, which in rare cases is deadly. For people not allergic to the stings and bites, the most serious outcome of an attack is secondary infections. About 30 deaths from allergic reactions have been documented.

ORIGIN: South America

CONTROL: A natural enemy that shows promise is the Brazilian phorid fly, which lays its egg inside the ant. The egg becomes a larva that travels to the ant’s head, releasing an enzyme that causes the ant’s head to fall off. The fly was introduced locally in 1999. Researchers are also examining the behavior of the fire ants, especially in relationship to water (they’re attracted to irrigated areas) for clues to controlling their spread. Insecticides are also being studied.

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Areas of infestation

The highest concentrations of fire ants in Los Angeles County have been found in communities bordering Orange County. Officials surmise that the ants were carried on landscaping equipment, soil and plants bound for new housing developments in the San Fernando Valley.

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Why it’s necessary to avoid contact

The ants bite into the skin with their pincers and pierce the flesh with a barbed stinger that causes a painful blister.

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Reporting and disposal

Residents and business owners are urged not to take matters into their own hands if they suspect an infestation on their property.

Over-the-counter insect repellent only pushes red imported fire ants farther underground and does nothing to halt reproduction, a Los Angeles County official said. County exterminators use a meat bait that when ingested by the queen results in sterilization.

Currently, Los Angeles County is sending $7 million to exterminate fire ants found at 284 properties, including residences, commercial buildings, schools, parks, nurseries and golf courses.

Anyone who suspects an infestation should not disturb the mound or colony, but should call the toll-free Fire Ant Hotline at 1-888-4FIREANT

(1-888-434-7326).

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SOURCE: Los Angeles County Dept. of Agriculture and Weights and Measures