A local entomologist is warning visitors to Margaret Bowater Park of the presence of European fire ants in the area.
Barry Hicks started hearing stories about people being stung during the recent powwow in Corner Brook, so he decided to check it out during a visit to the west coast city.
(via Barry Hicks on Insects of Newfoundland Facebook)
He confirmed that the aggressive ants are present in the park. He says they differ greatly from native ant species which are less aggressive and cannot sting.
He says the invasive species has been established in two regions of the province – on the Avalon where they were likely brought in centuries ago in ballast coming over from England, and in the Corner Brook area where they were likely brought in with plants imported for the gardens at Corner Brook House in the early part of the last century.
Hicks says fire ants are difficult to eradicate, and the only way to avoid being stung is to try to avoid areas where they are established.
