Fire Ants Found in Tokyo

photo of fire ants from the internet

More than 200 fire ants were discovered at the Harumi Wharf in Tokyo last week. Fire ants are so named because after they bite you, they pierce your flesh with a stinger from their abdomen and inject a venom which causes painful burning. This poison can kill people who are allergic. 

According to Nikkei Asian Review, in the US, where fire ants have settled, treatment and countermeasures cost more than $5.47 billion a year. Fire ants are indigenous to South America and were first found in Japan in June 2017. They have spread to 15 prefectures in Japan. Sixty-five ports in Japan are routinely checked for fire ants and red ants, which a little less dangerous than the fire ants.

Agents from Japan's Ministry of the Environment are exterminating the ants in the Toyo wharf's container yard.  The big problem is that the nest and the queen have not been found, so this extermination is just a temporary solution. Earlier this month 300 ants were found at the port of Yokohama. Environmental agents warn that the ants will become more active as the weather gets warmer. People in Japan are urged to avoid physical contact with ants. No problem, I won't go near them.