First brought to the U.S. aboard cargo ships from South America to Mobile, Alabama, in the 1930s, the species of fire ant which now occurs in Georgia has been the object of a major eradication campaign by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Fire ants harm native wildlife, and push out native ants which are beneficial. Red imported fire ants occur throughout the Altamaha River basin.
Fire ants from South America are well-adapted to flooding and their colonies float and disperse on flood waters. Massive amounts of pesticides are used, largely in vain, to control fire ants. Some pesticide companies have used scare tactics to market their chemicals. Real fire ants are much more demure appearing though their sting is decidedly unpleasant. Fire ants are important predators on hatchling ground and shrub-nesting birds.
