Monday

Texas Fire Ants Are Loosing Their Heads

Since imported Fire Ants first moved to Texas they have caused havoc. Not only do they give a painful sting but they have been responsible for dozens of human deaths. They kill livestock and damage equipment. One report says, “The estimated annual loss in Texas is over $300 million dollars. Cattle producers suffer economic losses due to cattle injury and death, hay production losses (from farm equipment damage from mounds). ruined feed, ruined hay. electrical damage, shredder damage (due to mounds), and pesticide costs.” What can be done?

Well… God created a small fly to be the fire ant’s worst nightmare… This fly is so small it can hardly be seen by the human eye. These native South American flies are now welcome immigrants in Texas and beyond. They are being imported and systematically distributed.

It all began when scientists noticed that Brazilians can picnic by fire ant mounds without seeing a fire ant. When the mound is stepped on the fire ants scurry around trying to get the mound rebuilt while also trying to hide. You’d be frightened too...

These little flies hover over mounds waiting for ants to show. When an ant shows a female fly will quickly inject it with an egg. The egg will hatch and kill the ant within 10 days. The larva then moves into the head which falls off. It makes itself at home in the head for the next 45 days. The fly then joins its sisters to start the cycle all over again.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

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