Where do the little fire ants come from?
They are native to central and northern South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Populations of little fire ants have been found in the southern United States mainland, notably in Florida and on several islands in the South Pacific. Where do you find little fire ants here? They are often found in potted plants, flowers and ornamental foliage or on the ground. Colonies are small, numerous and not under ground They can be in virtually any protected spot such as under a single leaf. To date, there are about 40 infestation sites in East Hawai`i. According to Patrick Conant, entomologist with the State of Hawai`i s Department of Agriculture, it is believed that the little fire ants have spread in East Hawai`i primarily via potted plants. “We need to concentrate on controlling little fire ants in nurseries and landscapers so the ant is not spread around inadvertently,” Conant said. Where do little fire ants nest? According to the University of Florida s Department of Entomology and Nematolog
