New species of invasive ants attracted to electrical equipment spreads across the south.
A newly invasive species of ant is marching up from the south and, unlike most ants attracted by sweets and liquids, this particular ant is coming for your cell phones and televisions sets, according to a report in the Austin American-Statesman.
It is not quite understood what attracts the insects to electrical equipment, but the invaders have been found in large numbers swarming around wall sockets as well. The ants, named Nylanderia fulva, or crazy ants, were first spotted in the US in Texas back in 2002, and they are continuing a march across the Gulf States, albeit quite slowly so far.
Experts say the ants are advancing at a rate of about 650 feet each year, but they seem to be determined. The article reported that the species had been found in 23 Texas counties so far.
The ants originated out of South America, like their cousins, the fire ant, but it is not a harmonious relationship with their relatives. Although the fire ant has a harsher venom than the crazy ant, the latter excretes a chemical substance that overwhelms the enemy ants and neutralized the venom. Experts are concerned the areas in which the fire ants are now populated may not be able to cope with the new invaders as they continue to spread north and east.
The crazy ants live in extremely dense colonies, as much as 100 times more dense than typical ant colonies. Officials are concerned about the spread, not because of the limited area they can cover, but they worry the ants will hitch a ride on vacation vehicles, and in garden products shipped across the country.
They advise travelers to check for the crazy ants when preparing to leave an area to help keep the movement down, especially when traveling long distances. Those stowaways could have a huge impact on the spread of the species.
Scientists are looking at ways to combat the spread of the ants, going as far as proposing the release of predators that would prey on the ant larvae.