The European fire ant, first recorded in North Vancouver in 2010, has since been confirmed in Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton thus encouraging us to write this blog, keep the public informed and encourage there removal, prevention and thus there total eradication It is believed this species is native to Europe and Asia but was first introduced to eastern North America around 1900 around in the Boston area and has since spread to thousands of areas where habitat reaches greatest potential. This aggressive, swarming and biting small insect critter prefers our moist environment, making irrigated properties, gardens and moist wet areas on the West Coast an ideal place to become established. Colonies can reach densities of up to four nests per square metre, hindering gardens, lawns and parks potentially unusable for normal activities even impacting agricultural crops where they may even displace native ants in their natural environment.
Here is a tip:
1) Make your property less favorable to fire ants, not moving soil, mulch or plants from infested areas; and
2) Contact a local professional.