Terrifying 'Rafts' of Stinging Fire Ants Are Now Floating Around After Hurricane Florence

[Judi Lynn]

Locals are being warned to avoid them at all costs.




ASHLEY COLLMAN, BUSINESS INSIDER
19 SEP 2018
Hurricane Florence is causing a threat that many Carolinians may not be aware of - fire ants.

Fire ants, which carry a dangerous sting, are an invasive species in the region and are especially adept at surviving massive flooding.

The insects band together to create rafts that float upon the flood waters until they are able to reach ground again. Business Insider's Kevin Loria reported on the phenomenon during Hurricane Harvey during Hurricane Harvey last year.

The raft carries all members of the colony including eggs, larvae, queens, winged ants, and workers, according to Texas A&M University.

More:
https://www.sciencealert.com/hurricane-florence-flooding-colonies-fire-ants-form-floating-rafts-2018

[Xipe Totec]

1. I was wondering when they'd wake up to this fact.

I've known about ant rafts in floods for 40 years.

Nasty business.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Someone stuck in the water wouldn't know they were there until much too late.

What a bummer, ant rafts. Ants just need to simmer down.

[Xipe Totec]

3. Happens in every hurricane - Ants are indestructible nt

[Journeyman]

4. "Leiningen versus the Ants." An incredible short story by Carl Stephenson . . .

http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/lvta.html

The setting is Brazil, and the horror is Army Ants on the move, but the danger is the same. A fascinating tale of nature run amok and the indomitable spirit of people who resist.

[pscot]

7. There's even a movie

[Beartracks]

5. I hate to be anti-environmental, but...

... with the entire colony in one place and exposed like that, all I can think of is how effective a can of Raid would be.



==========

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. Yet another reason I would not willingly live

in the south.