Tawny Crazy Ants an invasive ant known for forming massive colonies and quickly becoming a nuisance for homeowners, landowners and livestock producers will be the focus of an upcoming Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program in Austin County.
Tawny Crazy Ants, also known as Rasberry Crazy Ants, were first detected in Texas in the Houston area in 2002 and have since spread to other parts of the state. Unlike fire ants, they do not typically build large, easily recognizable mounds. Instead, they establish sprawling colonies with workers that move rapidly and erratically, a behavior that helped earn them the name “crazy ants.”
The ants do not sting like fire ants, although they are capable of biting. Their bites are generally considered mild, and the insects are not known primarily for their bite. The larger problem is the enormous populations they can develop. Once established, thousands of ants may move through yards, buildings, barns and other areas, making infestations difficult to control.
Tawny Crazy Ants are also known to invade electrical equipment and other protected spaces. In agricultural operations, large populations can spread into barns, feeding areas and livestock holding pens, where they can cause irritation and stress to animals and become a persistent nuisance for producers. Controlling infestations in these areas can be particularly challenging because treatments must be appropriate for use around livestock and in areas where animals are housed, fed and handled.
To help residents and producers dealing with the invasive ants, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Austin County will host a Tawny Crazy Ants educational program Friday, Aug. 21, at the Four County Auction Center, 11942 Highway 159 in Industry.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the program from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program is free and open to the public.
Dr. Robert Puckett, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program specialist, will present “The Curious Life of the Tawny Crazy Ant…and How to End It,” covering the biology and behavior of the invasive species as well as methods for controlling infestations.
Dr. Sonja Swiger, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program specialist, will present “Insecticides Used on Livestock, In and Around Holding Pens.” Her presentation will address insecticide use around livestock and agricultural facilities, including areas where animals are housed and handled.
Participants who hold a private, commercial or non-commercial pesticide applicator license will be eligible to receive one hour of Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education credit in Integrated Pest Management.
The program was organized to provide practical information to residents, landowners and livestock producers who have recently been affected by Tawny Crazy Ants.
Although the program is free, participants are asked to RSVP to reserve a seat. Registration is available through the Austin County Extension Office at 979-865-2072 or online through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Austin County event registration page.
For additional information, contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Stacie Villarreal at 979-865-2072.
