In an effort to control hydrilla, grass carp were introduced to the area. The introduction was a success, but the grass carp also eat vegetation along shorelines causing erosion problems. Many areas of freshwater habitat have been dramatically altered because of these three species. Fire ants are not just a nuisance to people, they are an ecological threat. On Galveston Island, for instance, some types of ground nesting birds are unable to hatch their eggs because fire ants tend to attack aggressively.
Fire ants can reduce the productivity of grazing land.
For those with allergies, fire ants can be a health threat.