The great outdoors may become decidedly unpleasant if the recently discovered Imported Fire Ant is established in California. These ants respond rapidly and aggressively. A single ant can sting repeatedly, causing raised, infected bumps. The Imported Fire Ant was first identified in a Kern County almond orchard last October. A mound has also been found in Fresno County.
Scientists say they hitchhiked on beehives brought from Texas for almond pollination.
The imported ant is a close cousin to an ant already found in the state, the Southern Fire Ant. He and other UC entomologists are working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to ensure an effective, full-scale program is implemented immediately to eradicate Imported Fire Ants. New Control Measures for Lygus Under Study Lygus have long plagued San Joaquin Valley farmers, frustrating their efforts to reduce pesticide use. Few pests are so abundant, so content to feed on a variety of crops and so difficult to control. Facing another year of high lygus populations, all farmers can do now is spray, says UC agronomy farm advisor Shannon Mueller.