LSU Experts Say `crazy' ants Headed For Louisiana

Posted: Sep 21, 2009 8:39 AM by sleonard
Updated: Sep 21, 2009 8:39 AM

HOUMA, La. (AP) - Experts at the LSU AgCenter say a new type of pest may be making its way to Louisiana. They are called "Rasberry crazy ants." They were first discovered in the U.S. in southeastern Texas.
LSU entomologists say they are likely making their way into Louisiana. Linda Hooper-Bui of LSU says scientists have found evidence that the ants can disrupt native wildlife; she expressed concern they could affect animals that nest or forage in the ground. Beekeepers have said that crazy ants may be overwhelming hives, killing bees and feeding on honey and nectar.
The ants are named for Tom Rasberry, a pest-management professional in Texas. They are called "crazy" ants because they don't follow trails. They move haphazardly in a "crazy" pattern.

---Information from: Daily Comet, http://www.dailycomet.com
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Topics: cray ants, raspberry, lsu, agcenter, agriculture, Louisiana, pest, rasberry, Linda Hooper-Bui, scientists, wildlife, Tom Rasberry, Texas, trails, trail, pattern