Well it seems we have we have a new pest at least it's new to me. According to the newletters that I get from MS beekeeper assoc. they mentioned a new pest problem showing up in Florida- Argentine ants and they are invading bee colonies, raiding them and destroying them. Argentine ants can be found in most areas of MS. These ants are from Brazil. They are hard to control. Argentine ants nest are usually located in the top 12" of soil, usually in well drained soil and under wooden objects, building, walkways and in decaying plant material. Nests are inconspicuous. There is not a mound of soil as with fire ants. Foraging ants prefer sweets such as honey and can be very persistant getting it. Once a hive has been discovered, it is nearly impossible to maintain because the ants persistantly return. They out compete native ants for food and eventually become the dominant ants in the area.
Topic: New Pest (Read 1899 times)