Fire Ant Surveillance for Horse Farms

The gradual north- and westward expansion of the fire ant’s range is exposing more horse owners to this important pest.
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The red imported fire ant can be found in parts or all of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia (see Figure 1 below). Occasionally, it has been found in Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri. Fire ants like to establish colonies in open sunny fields and pastures. Soil moisture and winter temperatures round out the major environmental factors that limit the spread of this invasive insect. Changes in climate, along with the adaptability of the insect, point to a continued gradual expansion of its boundaries.

The impact of the fire ant extends beyond the pain of its legendary sting. No significant adverse effects to the health of foals or mature horses have been reported in states in which fire ants are widely established. But, in addition to causing injury to workers, animals, and wildlife, this small insect affects pasture maintenance, hay production, damages equipment, and increases costs. Horse-farm managers in fire ant-infested areas have adjusted their management practices and developed strategies to live with this pest.

The gradual northward and westward expansion of the fire ant’s range exposes more farm managers and stable and pleasure horse owners to this important pest. Those living along the expansion front should become familiar with some of the basics of fire ants and watch for ant activity that seems out of the ordinary.

The familiar mound is the ant’s hallmark, but there is one major difference when it comes to fire ants: Their mound is the typical pile of loose, fine soil but there is no central opening. Instead, fire ants enter and leave their colonies through underground tunnels that radiate from the mound. Mound heights range from a few inches in mowed areas to 18 inches in undisturbed areas. Repair of a fire ant mound collapsed by a heavy rain results in a loose, fluffy pile of soil a few days later

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