Discover Why Researcher Think Dangerous, Invasive Fire Ants Could Spread Across Europe

Among the most damaging and costly invasive alien species on the planet, red fire ants are now invading Italy. In Sicily, the red fire ant has developed an advanced population, in accordance with studies reported in the academic journal Current Biology.

The study issues a warning that the ants may spread throughout Europe with the aid of global warming. Half of Europe’s urban regions already have climates that are favorable for these types of ants.

The consequences for biodiversity, agriculture, and human health might be catastrophic and expensive.

How Are Red Fire Ants Dangerous?

When they arrive in a new area, fire ants typically take over as the most prevalent ant species because they are vigorous hunters. They can thus completely wipe out native ant colonies and obliterate vegetation. 

Invasive red fire ants also have a toxic sting and painful bite that can harm or kill small creatures such as mammals and reptiles. Since the ants can bite humans, children should avoid public spaces like parks because of them. 

Only a handful of those who are allergic to their venom could potentially experience a life-threatening allergic response. Since the ants can bite humans, children should avoid public spaces like parks because of them. 

Only a handful of those who are allergic to their venom could potentially experience a life-threatening allergic response. Additionally, they have been found to have an effect on birds and aquatic life through predation, rivalry, and stinging.

Fire ants can destroy crops and plague electrical wiring in addition to inflicting damage on regional ecosystems and biodiversity.

Will Red Fire Ants Continue to Spread Through Europe?

Since 2019, residents in the Syracuse area have complained about several fire ant stings. According to genetic testing, the ants in the immediate vicinity may have come from Taiwan, China’s mainland, or the United States. 

Although it is unknown how or why the species arrived in the region, it might have done so via the nearby Augusta shipping harbor. Experts discovered that given present environmental circumstances, the ants may colonize seven percent of Europe and the Mediterranean. 

The study’s findings show that half of metropolitan regions have acceptable conditions, whereas agricultural regions are most in danger. Cities around the Mediterranean coast with significant connections to ports are especially at risk as well. 

According to future predictions, as the climate warms, conditions in Europe will probably grow more suitable for red fire ants. The researchers warn that addressing this emerging danger requires swift detection  and response. The tracking of the ant population could be aided by citizen reporting seeing them to local wildlife organizations.