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. Five native Solenopsis ant species occur in Utah, but they are not known to be aggressive and their colonies are small and inconspicuous.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, grass sod, soil, honeybee hives, and vehicles and equipment.Stings can cause persistent “fire-like” pain and blistering pustules-which when broken can result in secondary infections and scarring-and allergic reactions, including rare instances of seizures and anaphylactic shock.When a nest is disturbed, IFA will exit the mound in large numbers to bite and sting repeatedly, injecting painful venom with each sting.IFA can cause agricultural, ecological, economical, nuisance, and public health problems.They are NOT known to occur in Utah, but parts of southwestern Utah are suitable for IFA establishment. and in parts of California and other western states. Imported fire ants (IFA) represent two South American species: red imported fire ant and black imported fire ant.

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