Expanding habitat of the imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta): A public health concern

Residents in the southeastern United States would hardly describe life with the aggressive imported fire ant as peaceful coexistence. The continued sp read of these insects has produced agricultural problems, changes in the ec osystem, and increasing numbers of subjects with sting sequelae, including hypersensitivity reactions, secondary infections, and rare neurologic seque lae. Evolutionary changes have facilitated their expansion northward into V irginia and westward into California, and increasing urbanization will like ly permit further expansion. Recent reports of building invasion with sting attacks inside occupied dwellings, including health care facilities, heigh ten public health concerns. This article reviews the medically important en tomology, clinical aspects of stings, and the current approaches to chemica l control of fire ants. We also propose directions for future research and treatment.