From what we understand from the Texas State Agricultural Commissioner, there is a serious new threat to livestock that is being called a Rasberry Crazy Ant. Originally from Jamaica, the ant was brought into the United States via the Port of Houston. First appearances were cited in 2002 around the Houston, Texas area. This the ant is now being discovered in many other Texas counties including areas around San Antonio. These ants have not yet been identified as a species, but are reportedly more bothersome than the infamous Fire Ants. They are killing many forms of wildlife and causing them to move out of areas, while often making it impossible for many homeowners and their companion pets to spend time outdoors.
These ants kill songbirds and poultry, small mammals including house pets, squirrels and even larger mammals such as deer, cattle and horses.The ants kill chickens via asphyxia by crawling into their nasal passages. In addition to the physical danger posed by the ants, they have a large affinity for climbing onto and into electronics and shorting lines causing extensive financial damage.
Humans are playing a key role in assisting with the migration of these pests. These ants show likelihood of being transported through movement of almost any infested container or material. The movement of garbage, yard debris,bags or loads of compost, potted plants, and bales of hay, can transport these ant colonies by truck, railroad, and airplane. Several very large name home improvement chains that sell plants have reportedly had problems.
Rasberry crazy ants eat almost anything; they are omnivorous. They have multiple queens and are outsmarting attempts to eradicate them. There are no effective products readily available to the consumer to manage the ants, so you should identify the ants; and, if rasberry ants, immediately treated by a professional.
Currently, the ants have been identified in south and central Texas. However, the ant has the potential to spread well beyond the current range in coastal Texas. However, because this is a semi-tropical ant, it is anticipated potential northern distribution will be limited by cooler weather conditions.
Texas A&M University has more information on their Agriculture Extension site at http://urbanentomology.tamu.edu/ants/rasberry.html
These ants kill songbirds and poultry, small mammals including house pets, squirrels and even larger mammals such as deer, cattle and horses.The ants kill chickens via asphyxia by crawling into their nasal passages. In addition to the physical danger posed by the ants, they have a large affinity for climbing onto and into electronics and shorting lines causing extensive financial damage.
Humans are playing a key role in assisting with the migration of these pests. These ants show likelihood of being transported through movement of almost any infested container or material. The movement of garbage, yard debris,bags or loads of compost, potted plants, and bales of hay, can transport these ant colonies by truck, railroad, and airplane. Several very large name home improvement chains that sell plants have reportedly had problems.
Rasberry crazy ants eat almost anything; they are omnivorous. They have multiple queens and are outsmarting attempts to eradicate them. There are no effective products readily available to the consumer to manage the ants, so you should identify the ants; and, if rasberry ants, immediately treated by a professional.
Currently, the ants have been identified in south and central Texas. However, the ant has the potential to spread well beyond the current range in coastal Texas. However, because this is a semi-tropical ant, it is anticipated potential northern distribution will be limited by cooler weather conditions.
Texas A&M University has more information on their Agriculture Extension site at http://urbanentomology.tamu.edu/ants/rasberry.html
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