Invasion and Range Expansion of Imported Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in North America from 1918-1995

Abstract

A native of South America, imported fire ants were first detected in this country in Mobile, AL around 1918. By 1958, imported fire ants had spread into all or part of 141 counties/parishes in 8 states, covering 25,272,706 ha. In 1995, this pest had expanded its range to include a total of 114,098,722 ha in all or part of 670 counties/parishes in 11 states and Puerto Rico.