Sea level rise and flooding are making fire ants bigger and meaner. Their bites are getting worse, too. According to a recent Louisiana State University study, freshwater and saltwater increase the already aggressive nature of red fire ants.
Source: NOLA.com, April 22, 2020. Link. Coastal flooding caused a 72% increase in the volume of venom sacs in individual fire ants 24 hours after a flood event, whereas venom sacs of inland ants increased by just 34% after freshwater flood. Fire ant colonies in areas with frequent tidal and storm flooding also tend to breed bigger, more aggressive ants than their inland counterparts.
Source: Texas Standard, April 29, 2020. Link. Audio interview with Linda Hooper-Bui, LSU wetland ecologist and lead author of the study.
INSIGHTS: Texas A&M Extension warned last month of increased red fire ant activity this summer. Combined with a predicted busy hurricane season that may keep fire ants on the move, control practices will be sound counseling.