We just have to look at the US to see what would happen to Australia if we fail to eradicate fire ants. European Fire Ants One of the world’s 100 worst invasive species—European fire ants (Myrmica rubra)—is emerging in areas of BC in alarming numbers, packing a punch with its surprising swarm and sting.

There are over 280 known fire ant species. One large outbreak in southeast Queensland remains active, but contained. Economic Impact of Fire Ants.

Along with being an invasive species, fire ants are some of the most aggressive ants in the world. The veiled chameleon and the Jackson's chameleon have a great impact on the ecology of Hawaii. Solenopsis invicta is one of the most talked about, mostly because of how much damage they have caused. A microscope is required to tell the difference between the tropical and other fire ants. Populations of introduced little fire ants in Hawaii can have major negative impacts on animals, crops, and humans. These highly invasive ants first turned up in Australia at the northern port of Brisbane in 2001. Look-alike Species. Imported fire ants inflict painful stings and can kill human beings.There are large social and medical costs associated with this pest. Red imported fire ants are among the worst invasive species in the world. During the summer of 2017, the research team collected both fire ants and native A. picea ants at three different ranges of altitude — 0 to 1,000 feet, 1,500 to 2,500 feet, and over 3,000 feet — in an area that included Clemson, South Carolina, Rabun County, Georgia, and Jackson and Macon counties in North Carolina.

Provincial biologists first confirmed the presence of the European fire ant in BC in 2010. Tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminata): The tropical fire ant is common throughout Hawaii. Fire ants were accidentally introduced into Alabama in the 1930s.

They are also known as ‘Red imported fire ants’ (RIFA). Some scientists consider the red imported fire ant to be a "disturbance specialist"; human disturbance to the environment may be a major factor behind the ants' impact (fire ants tend to favour disturbed areas).

These ants are known as an overly invasive species of ant and are most active during the summer months.

We know of four other incursions.

In most cases, when you notice fire ants on your property, they have already established themselves and will be hard to eliminate. As an invasive species, they now live in many countries across the world, it is believed that they reached these countries via shipping crates. This small red ant is 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4 in) long, much larger than the little fire ant. Imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis richteri) are invasive species that cause $6.7 billion in annual losses in the United States. New Zealand.