The University of Missouri reports that Ozark County, MO recently saw a fire ant infestation in out-of-state hay. The tiny stinging insects favor warmer weather, and are found in hay imported from the Southeastern U.S. However, they could potentially set up colonies in southern Missouri, where winters are milder. Here are some of the threats of fire ants:
- Ecological threat. The ants damage local crops like soybeans.
- Wildlife. Fire ants can sting/kill ground-nesting birds, small reptiles, and other critters.
- Mounds. The dense mounds damage farming instruments and some electrical equipment. Texas A&M has instructions on how to remove a fire ant mound here.
- Stings. The Kansas Department of Agriculture writes that:
"Fire ants defend their nest aggressively and will sting. A person allergic to bee stings will probably have a reaction to fire ant stings. A sting will produce intense itching and a white pustule may develop."