Floating Fire Ants

While the recent rains are more than welcome, you may encounter a strange sight as your pond level rises: a floating ball of live fire ants. The fire ant, which is native to South America but is now found across the entire Southern half of the United States, is a very resilient species. Fire ant colonies that took advantage of the drought by burrowing into inviting soils on exposed pond banks won’t be drowned as rising water levels flood their burrows; instead, they’ll form floating "rafts" on the water’s surface to protect their queen and find higher ground for a new nest. An unfortunate swimmer encountering the relocating colony could be in for some painful bites. Except for those allergic to the venom, fire ant bites are simply an ugly and stinging nuisance to humans. It’s not clear whether fire ants on the water pose a risk to fish. While many fishing and agriculture experts cite anecdotal evidence of fish deaths caused by consumption of fire ants, others argue that there is no solid proof that ingesting the ants is deadly to fish. What is known, however, is that fire ants are difficult to eradicate and many of the insecticides marketed for the control of fire ants can be toxic to fish populations and are therefore not suitable for use near water. There are safe options available, but it’s best to consult with a pest control specialist to determine the best method if you have a serious fire ant infestation anywhere on your property.