Story by
Richard A, IRT Chief, Sicily
Red fire ants, originally from South America, have officially been identified in Sicily, marking their introduction to Europe. Nearly 90 nests of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) were found near the city of Syracuse, Italy. While these ants have occasionally been discovered in imported products in Europe, this is the first time they have become established in the wild. With a painful sting and a voracious appetite, they pose risks to native ecosystems, farming, and human health.
Globally, efforts to deal with these insects cost as much as $32 billion annually, a cost that will only increase if the ants spread further across the continent.
The red imported fire ants are known for spreading alarmingly quickly. Although eradication efforts may be possible, concerns remain that climate change could aid their spread before they can be fully removed. These ants initially arrived outside their native South America in Mobile, Alabama, in the 1930s, likely through soil used as ballast for ships arriving at the port city. Since then, they have spread across much of the USA, costing around $6 billion annually to manage.
Invasive Red Fire Ants Have Now Spread to Europe, Scientists Warn
Red fire ants, originally from South America, have officially been identified in Sicily, marking their introduction to Europe. Nearly 90 nests of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) were found near the city of Syracuse, Italy. While these ants have occasionally been discovered in imported products in Europe, this is the first time they have become established in the wild. With a painful sting and a voracious appetite, they pose risks to native ecosystems, farming, and human health. Globally, efforts to deal with these insects cost as much as $32 billion annually, a cost that will only increase if the ants spread further across the continent.
The red imported fire ants are known for spreading alarmingly quickly. Although eradication efforts may be possible, concerns remain that climate change could aid their spread before they can be fully removed. These ants initially arrived outside their native South America in Mobile, Alabama, in the 1930s, likely through soil used as ballast for ships arriving at the port city. Since then, they have spread across much of the USA, costing around $6 billion annually to manage.
Genetic studies indicate that subsequent invasions in countries like China, Australia and New Zealand originated from North American populations, likely through contaminated goods shipped internationally.
In summary, the arrival of red fire ants in Europe is a significant concern, and efforts to control their spread are crucial.