The habitats in which these ants are found varies in different parts of their native range, from conifer forests in Russia to pasture edges in England. Nests usually have multiple queens that lay eggs. Their nests vary in size, from a few hundred to ten thousand workers. Where do European fire ants live? Adult European fire ants on a branch.Įuropean fire ants live in decaying logs or soil, under rocks and human debris, and even in thick clumps of grass or under leaves. Since this ant is native to cold regions of Europe and Asia, it is unlikely that climate alone would prevent its spread into other areas of the state. As of 2002, their presence was confirmed in more than 20 locations along Maine’s coast. Population densities and the number of infestation sites have increased considerably over the past decade. We have confirmed that European fire ants were established in two locations in Maine before the 1950s. The date of the ant’s arrival is not certain. Populations have been confirmed in Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Waldo, Washington, and York counties. The European fire ant has become established in many communities along the Maine coast. Many other insects become displaced also. European fire ants could displace them if allowed to spread uncontrolled. But North America’s native ants did not co-evolve with this insect, and may not be able to defend their food and nesting resources against it. In Europe, it is believed that competition with other native ants prevents the European fire ant from becoming a serious problem. If European fire ants move into new places, they may threaten native species of ants. Where this insect has established nests, homeowners have reported that they are unable to use their yards and gardens because of repeated stings by the ants. The sting causes an initial burning sensation and the affected area can remain sore for just a few hours, or a day or more. Usually, a sting results in an inflamed red area from one to four inches in diameter, sometimes with a raised white area in the center. The severity of the reaction to the European fire ant sting varies from one individual to another, and with the location of the sting. They aggressively defend their territory and readily sting humans, pets and livestock that have the misfortune to move slowly or rest within the ants’ large foraging areas. Why are they a problem? European fire ant stings usually result in inflamed red areas from one to four inches in diameter.Įuropean fire ants are a nuisance pest for people and a potential threat to the environment. (Full descriptive copy from this graphic, below)Īdult ants tending larvae and pupae in a nest.
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