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Home / Ants / Fire Ant
Fire Ants and Cat Food
The red fire ant has few to no natural predators in the United States and its population has grown unchecked throughout the country.
Since a cargo shipment from Brazil accidentally introduced the species to the United States via Mobile, Alabama in the 1930's, the red imported fire ant has found the American South to be very hospitable. Imported red fire ants thrive in flat, sunny environments with dry and temperate climates. Fire ants' large mounds help them regulate underground temperatures, protecting the queen and young ants from severe weather or climate changes. A fire ant colony can house 500,000 insects.
While imported red fire ants are not strictly carnivorous, they eat almost any protein material. For homeowners with pets, this ant has become a particular problem. Since many people put cat food and water outdoors for their cat, they unknowingly also provide food for foraging ants. Fire ants are attracted to the nutrients present in pet food. The ants develop a pattern of coming to the pet food regularly. Curious pets often provoke red fire ants, which have been known to react by stinging the pet. It is not uncommon for vets to treat house pets for fire ant stings, and in some cases, fire ant attacks can prove fatal to small animals.
If you determine that you have a red fire ant infestation, pick all uneaten pet food promptly and contact a pest control professional to exterminate the ant colonies.
© Orkin, Inc. 2009