Tuesday, September 2, 2014

How About Those "Crazy Ants...?"


You probably know all about these destructive critters, but I figured we would talk some more about them.

Man, these guys are bad to have around. Not only do they do a lot of damage, but they are really hard to get rid of.

Ants That Eat Computers

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In certain states in the Southeast US, fire ants are being slaughtered. That’s good news for most people, but their replacement might be even worse. In 2002, a species of invasive ant was discovered by an exterminator in Texas. Dubbed “crazy ants,” they were killing all the fire ants in sight. But crazy ants are becoming infamous because of the bizarre way they invade electronics, chew through the circuitry, and kill themselves when they reach the live electric wiring.

But as they die in a puff of smoke, they send out a chemical that calls other ants to the electric source to avenge their death. The result is a swarm of ants attacking the wiring in computers, cell phones, and TVs.

And they’re spreading. What started in Texas quickly moved across Mississippi and Florida, and is now moving north through Georgia. Crazy ants have a knack for reproducing faster than native ant species, out-competing them for food, killing everything that’s left, and taking over their nests.

Now, I don't know about you but I could go a long time and be happy not seeing any of these bad boys around. I'm funny that way, I guess!

Coffee in the kitchen in case the rain comes back, OK?

8 comments:

Chickenmom said...

Strange. Killer bees and now ants.
What's next? We'll be getting rain here, too today.I'll bring fresh strawberries.

linda m said...

I think I heard about these guys on NatGeo Wild. However, I didn't realize they attacked and eat electronics. What next? I know Mother Nature takes care of her own but it just seems to go from bad to worse. It's going to be a dry day here and it is also the first day of school - so all the little "rug rats" will be back in school. I'll bring some whipped cream for the strawberries.

texasann said...

We've seen 'em! On the golf course, with no particular destination in mind, not like regulars who follow each other and have a job to do, these are just scattering about, going "crazy". First saw the article about them in August Re ader's Digest - nuts!Now we have sugar ants in our kitchen-sheesh!

Sixbears said...

I've run into them in FL. Saw them totally stuff an electrical junction box with their bodies. Weird.

Mamahen said...

Wow...wonder where these guys came from :/

HermitJim said...

Hey Phyllis...
Just never know what surprises Mother Nature has in store for us.

Strawberries are good!

Thanks for coming over today!



Hey Linda M...
They can be very destructive from what I understand!

Thanks for coming over today!



Hey Sis...
Maybe Rod can teach them to caddy! As long as they don't eat the clubs.

Thanks for dropping by today!



Hey Sixbears...
They do seem to like the electric stuff, that's for sure!

Thanks, buddy, for the visit today!



Hey Mamahen...
Don't know where they came from, but I wish they would go back!

Thanks for coming over this morning!

JO said...

Great just what we need more invasive bugs.

we are expecting lots of rain in about 5 days. At least the temps will finally drop just hope they stay dropped have had more than enough of this heat.

See you in the kitchen.

Dizzy-Dick said...

I have had red ants shut down my well. They get electrocuted and their dead bodies pile up enough to keep the points from closing.