Since the 1950s, the fire ant, which came from South America to Alabama in the 1930s, has spread over the eastern two-thirds of Texas and now infests around 56 million acres. Texans are spending hundreds of millions annually to control fire ants in their yards and pastures. This figure also includes money lost on repairs and medical treatments due to fire ant stings. Fire ants also result in reduced property values, structural damage, and contaminated water systems due to pesticide overuse or misuse. Fire ants also infest electrical equipment, such as air conditioners, traffic boxes, and airport runway lights.
Stinging incidents can also result in costly tort liability claims.
Agricultural Stings Fire ants sting calves and other domestic animals, resulting in increased veterinary expenses, decreased animal quality, blindness, or death. Insecticides available to prevent these problems are limited and often too costly to use. Ecological Stings Fire ants alter the ecological balance by damaging plants and reducing food sources for native ant species and other insects. Hazards to wildlife and other natural resources increase due to people applying their own pesticides in public places without authorization. Recreational Stings Fire ants have altered the behavior patterns and activities of hunters, ranchers, and participants of other outdoor activities.