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European Fire Ant

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has identified the European Fire Ant, (Myrmica rubra Linnaeus), as present in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario, and is known to be present in the North Eastern United States. 

The CFIA has stated that the European Fire Ant is not a regulated pest in Canada.  It should be noted however, that the sale of plants which contain pests, such as the European Fire Ant, are regulated and enforced via the CFIA.

 

Species Identification

  • Reddish-brown
  • Very small, worker ants 4 to 5 mm, queen a little larger
  • Waist has 2 segments with 2 backward pointing spines on middle body section (visible with magnifying glass)
  • Aggressively defends territory; will sting humans and pets in foraging area

 

European Fire Ant
European Fire Ant Identification
Photo Credit: University of Maine

                                                             

Nesting Habits

  • Nest in anything that maintains a moist environment decaying logs, soil, potted plants, under rocks and debris, etc.
  • Nests can spread by “colony budding” - a group, including the queen, moves from the original colony and establishes a new nest nearby, or, human transport of nests from infested areas (soil, decaying logs, potted plants, etc.)

 

Control Measures

  • Properly store and dispose of food waste to avoid attracting insects
  • Reduce nesting sites by removing decaying logs, debris, etc. from your yard, first ensuring they free of European Fire Ants
  • Avoid transporting infested materials (soil, decaying logs, etc.)
  • Check with neighbours to assess the extent of the infestation; it is very important that all neighbours in the affected area “buy-in” in order for control and elimination to be effective

 

Elimination Options

  • Bait for European Fire Ants using traditional bait station methods (small infestations)

Note:  When making ant baits it is important not to add too much Borax/ Boric Acid, as a high concentration will kill the worker ants before they can return to the colony and deliver the bait to the queen. 

  • Hire a professional certified applicator company (large infestations)
  • As the homeowner, you are responsible for asking the company what they are applying to your property and making a decision based on that information.
  • HRM recommends, as stated in Pesticide By-Law (P-800), signage be posted 24 hours prior to a pesticide application and remain posted for a period of four days after the application, warning that pesticides are in use.

Examples of Baits

       1/8 teaspoon (0.5g) 1% Boric Acid

       1 tablespoon (10g) corn syrup

       Water

  • Read and follow all safety directions listed on boric acid container
  • Mix together boric acid and corn syrup
  • Dilute with water (1 part bait to 2 parts water) to form a solution
  • Place small amount of solution in bait stations (small covered plastic containers, with holes cut out near the top to allow ants to enter and exit; mark “Ant Bait” on containers)

 

      1 part Borax

      19 parts icing sugar

      Water

  • Read and follow all safety directions listed on borax container
  • Mix together borax and icing sugar
  • Add enough water to make a thick slurry
  • Place small amount of bait in bait stations (small covered plastic containers, with holes cut out near the top to allow ants to enter and exit; mark “Ant Bait” on containers)

 

Key Areas for Bait Station Placement

  • In exterior corners where insects converge from more than one direction
  • On all sides of your home
  • On the North side of your home or side with high shade and moist areas
  • Spaced around the perimeter of your lot
  • In shrub and tree belts
  • By the A/C condenser water overflow outlet
  • Where ants are seen trailing
  • Where ants are most active, but not directly on the ant hill
  • Avoid locations where substantial water run-off occurs

 

HRM's Role

  • The Municipal Operations Division of Transportation and Public Works will monitor and manage any known infestations on municipally owned property. Recently, the municipality purchased several dozen boric acid bait stations for trialing effectiveness on infestations located on HRM properties.
  • The Sustainable Environment Management Office of Infrastructure and Asset Management working with Clean Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Department of Environment, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and others, will maintain high level monitoring of the situation and provide advice on management of this non native insect.
  • Staff continue to monitor the problem and research the best methods for avoiding, controlling or eliminating the ants. SEMO Staff are collaborating with a local Masters Student from Saint Mary’s University on the efficacy of different management measures.
  • European Fire Ants are not known to fly in North America. If you suspect there are flying European Fire Ants on your property, please notify the HRM Corporate Call Centre at 490-4000 immediately.

Pesticide By-Law

  • The notwithstanding clause in HRM’s Pesticide By-Law (P-800), section 6(2) “… a pesticide application may be carried out to control or destroy plants or insects if such plants or insects constitute a danger for human beings or to control or destroy insects which have infested a property ... “ places this issue outside the By-Law.  It is HRM’s perspective that the fundamental intent of the By-Law, to protect public health and the environment, should be maintained.

 

Contacts

Species identification:

Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History - 424-6455

http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mnh/

Canada Food Inspection Agency - 426-2110

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/pestravae.shtml#cont

Report sale of infested plants:

Canada Food Inspection Agency - 426-2110

(Information required:  address, persons involved, location, etc.)

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/pestravae.shtml#cont

Report infestations on HRM properties: 

HRM Corporate Call Centre - 490-4000

http://www.halifax.ca/contact.html
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