Since the 1950's, the ant has been spreading northward, westward, and southward. In Texas they infest the eastern two-thirds of the state, and some urban areas in western Texas. The bad news is that they are probably here to stay. Their northward spread depends on temperature. Cold winters tend to push them back.
Western spread is largely dependent on water.
There are six California counties infested, including some almond orchards. The fire ants arrived with bee hives. The bees were overwintered in Texas on palettes and the ants infested the palettes. California has made the decision not to use aerial application. There is infestation in New Mexico and Washington state.