Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFAs), specifically Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis richteri, are increasingly encroaching on the Virginia area, endangering local crops and infrastructure. The Virginia Department of Agriculture has broadened quarantine measures to mitigate their spread. Known for aggressive behavior, RIFAs can swarm in large numbers when disturbed, biting multiple times and injecting painful venom. They have been in Virginia since 1989, causing damage by nesting in electrical components and other critical infrastructures. Residents in quarantine zones require caution regarding soil and equipment movements to prevent further infestations.
They're aggressive. Disturb them and they're likely to swarm you, biting ten to 20 times per attack and injecting venom that causes an intense burning sensation, followed by itchy blisters.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services expanded the area in which it had quarantined RIFAs hoping to slow the spread of this insect pest to un-infested areas.
The beasts, which have been in Virginia since 1989, can damage crops, clog irrigation lines, and make homes in electrical boxes, traffic lights, and air conditioning units.
Anyone in VDACS' RIFA quarantine zone should take care not to move soil, sod, or farm equipment without contacting the commonwealth's Office of Plant Industry Services.
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