Impressive fire ant (IFA; Myrmica specioides): Specimens were sent to Dr. Higgins from Vancouver Airport that were originally thought to be European fire ant (EFA), but they turned out to be a very similar species, M. specioides. YVR has a highly established population of M. specioides in their fields. Unlike EFA, these are undergoing mating flights. In July and August, the ants were creating mating swarms that go towards obvious landmarks such as the end of runways. Barn swallows fly in to eat these ants when they are in large densities, leading to the swallows being hit by planes. This is considered a fairly serious issue at the airport, leading to runways being frequently shut down. At this point, Dr. Higgins is unsure if this very large population of ants at YVR will continue to grow and spread. Controlling the spread could be extremely difficult due to their mating flights. There is a concern that IFA may also be traveling in the cargo area of airplanes that travel around the world (this is the most likely pathway of introduction into BC).
. European fire ant (EFA; Myrnica rubra): these ants do not undergo mating flights, therefore there is more potential to control their spread. These ants establish very high density populations and do not like to cross streets – Figure 4: Argentine Ant Photo credit: Sean McCann BC Inter-Ministry Invasive Species Working Group Invasive Ant Workshop – October 2014 18 often infestations occur within a single city block but adjacent blocks are ant-free. It is very important to ask people to not move ants or materials out of infested areas. Populations are established in southwest BC, south Vancouver Island, Courtenay, and at a unique location in Naramata. Infestations result in people being unable to use outdoor areas where EFA are present. A recent study by the provincial government showed the potential economic impact of EFA could be over $100,000,000 annually for BC. Affected stakeholders include residences, parks/municipalities, botanical gardens, commercial landscaping operations, equestrian areas, community gardens and pest control professionals.
In polygynous colonies: reduced intraspecific aggression facilities the establishment of the super colonies, Annual inflicted damage @ 1 billion a year in the US, reduction of direct competition, from native species to birds