The coalition of educators, scientists and health professionals is asking people to keep a lookout for the ants. Homeowners are cautioned to seek help, and not attempt to control the ants themselves. To heighten citizen awareness of the threat, particularly during summer, when families are outside with children and pets, the division asked the university's Cooperative Extension for help. Members of 4-H clubs are hanging fliers on doors in the newer neighborhoods, which may be at higher risk because of the recent introduction of plant materials. Horticulturists and agricultural scientists are spreading the word through the media, workshops and contacts with the landscape industry.
Fire ants attack with no warning when their nests are disturbed or when the object they're on moves.
An ant grasps skin with its jaws and inserts its rearend stinger into the flesh, injecting venom from a poison sac, causing a burning sensation. Most people develop itchy hives, blisters and white pustules, but 2 percent or less of the population is susceptible to sometimes lethal allergic reactions, particularly if they've had previous stings. We're taking steps to alert doctors offices, clinics and emergency rooms so they can watch for signs of fire ant stings, and notify the agriculture division if they see them. The 1999 Legislature authorized an appropriation for surveys of more than 2,000 sites in the valley that may have received infested stock. The university's College of Agriculture is providing student help for the surveys.