DescriptionĪlthough IFA can be identified by its physical characteristics, the quickest way is by observing the colony’s immediate and aggressive behavior when the nest is disturbed. If you suspect IFA in Utah, contact the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab. IFA are NOT known to occur in Utah, but parts of Washington, Iron, and Kane Counties may be suitable for colony establishment, particularly in areas that have accessible water from irrigation or natural sources (Korzukhin et al. In colder regions, IFA may be able to temporarily establish during unusually warm years, or in settings where a heat source exists, such as climate-controlled buildings and greenhouses (Global Invasive Species Database 2019). The red imported fire ant has a wider distribution than the black imported fire ant, which has only been reported in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee (USDA 2019). Isolated infestations have been reported in Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland, Oregon, and Washington. IFA currently occur in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. IFA is a quarantine pest, and its presence can restrict movement of regulated articles. Although IFA can spread naturally by flying short distances, long-distance spread is caused primarily by the movement of infested materials, such as baled hay and straw, nursery stock, potting media, grass sod, soil, honeybee hives, and trains, vehicles, and equipment. in Mobile, Alabama, likely arriving in soil used as ship ballast in 1918 (black IFA) and the ate 1930s (red IFA). 3), which are described in more detail below (see ‘Impacts’ section). However, they have invaded other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S., causing agricultural, ecological, economical, nuisance, and public health problems (Fig. IFA are native to South America, where their colonies are kept in check by native competitors, predators, and parasites. 1 and 2) are social insects representing two South American ant species: the red imported fire ant ( Solenopsis invicta Buren) and black imported fire ant ( Solenopsis richteri Forel), along with their hybrid offspring. Imported fire ants (Order Hymenoptera, Family Formicidae) (IFA) (Figs.
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