Curse You, Fire Ants!

These little red critters are nasty! Fire ants have been invading the United States for something like 100 years, coming up from the south. They have been a fact of life for people in the southern U.S. for years, but that doesn't make them any more welcome. If you have them where you live, you know what it's like. If not, count your blessings!

Map of fire ant infestation:

These tiny insects build sometimes huge mounds and will swarm and bite anything that disturbs them. I've already had several bites this year--Ow! Ow! Ow!

Ortho Fire Ant Killer has a fantastic ad campaign (click here to listen)--"Because killing fire ants shouldn't be a full time job. Even if it is pretty fun." This gives you some idea of the attitude southerners have toward fire ants.

Here's a photo of a small mound in my yard:

Okay, I'm done with my fire ant rant -- for now.