Reporter: Nicole Morten
View on KBTX web channel
This particular species of ant is attracted to electrical equipment, for reasons that are not well understood by scientists. Reports indicate they are notorious for ruining sewage pumps, fouled computers, and has also caused alarms to malfunction.
According to a recent report, the EPA approved a crisis exemption to the Texas Department of Agriculture that allows the use of Fipronil, or Termidor SC to ward off this particular species of ants.
Only certified and licensed applicators or those supervised by a licensed applicator can apply the pesticide in Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery and Wharton counties.
Whats with the name? They are called “crazy” because they wander erratically instead of marching in regimented lines. They’re also named after Tom Rasberry, an exterminator who did battle against them early on.
The crazy raspberry ants are believed to have arrived in a cargo shipment through the port of Houston in 2002.
Filed under: Home & Garden | Tagged: Crazy Rasberry Ants, Home & Garden
