Crazy Ants Invasion Spreads Across The Southern U.S; ‘Big Pests’ Spreading North and Inland? [VIDEO]
An invasion of "Tawny crazy ants" has spread rapidly across the Southeastern United States, affecting states from Florida to Texas.
The insects, which originate from South America, were first discovered in Texas in 2002 and have since been reported in Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida, according to newsmax.com. While they are not known for stinging and biting, like the generally more dangerous fire ants, they do still pose a major threat to humans.
The bugs tend to multiply very quickly and make their homes in warm, tight spaces. They could be found around electrical equipment, under floorboards, and even in car engines, which can pose a risk to humans as they are capable of damaging areas they invade.
It is currently unknown how far north or inland they could potentially travel. Joe MacGown, a research scientist at the Mississippi Entomological Museum, warned that they are making their way closer to other parts of the U.S.
"They are within four miles of Alabama right now," MacGown said.
Though the ants don't carry the same threat as fire ants, they are considered a much bigger pest due to the inability to really control them. The amounts they would be found in can become a major expense for those who are affected by an invasion.
"There are videos on YouTube of people sweeping out dustpans full of these ants from their bathroom," Ed LeBrun, a research associate affiliated with the University of Texas College of Natural Sciences, said in a statement. "You have to call pest control operators every three or four months just to keep the infestation under control. It's very expensive."
