Chilliwack residents were recently given an opportunity to learn more about an invasive species that is in the area.
Entomologist Robert Higgins spoke to a crowd of around 100 people about the European fire ant, which is a species of insect that can swarm and inflict painful bites and stings when its nests are disturbed. They were first found in the city about five years ago.
The information provided included how to identify the ants and how to get rid of them once they have invaded a yard of other area. According to Higgins, one approach that is being tested is to use a low-dose application of pesticide, as it’s important to make sure all the queens in the nest are killed. If they are not, they will simply rebuild the colony back to its former size. This is why digging out the nest or using heat is not very effective.
Since these fire ants move to new areas when soil is moved, property owners should make sure that they are not spreading them when they perform landscaping chores. Brochure printers can create informational materials on this topic.
Chilliwack residents who believe they may have these ants on their property are invited to visit the BC Invasive Species Experts website, to find out more information and also to learn where to send samples of the insects for identification.
