Warning! BC gardeners...be on the alert!

[Lizcordysmum]

If you did not read CBC website today, be aware that we have for the first time a problem with imported FIRE ANTS in our bedding plants from "away."

When you get your bedding plants home, you are advised to have a pail of water handy...soak your bedding plant container for an HOUR in it.

Fire Ants bite fiercely, and some folks, and Their Pets, will react strongly to the bites. It means a trip to the doctor for you and your kids, and to the vet for your pets. I know what I am talking about, I had a small dog highly allergic to ORDINARY ant bites, and the Fire Ants are NOT ordinary.

They do not look like the little black sugar ants you might see in your kitchen, they are long and blondish red.

Please, please, please, be aware.

[Lizcordysmum]

Thank you to Eeyore, for posting the warning above the line!

[AdamB]

Thank you for keeping us informed Liz. I will pass that on.

[Jersm]

I we have them already naturally up here in new brunswick. unless there are red ants and fire ants.

[davefrombc]

There are small red ants native to a lot of areas, but red fire ants are an invasive species. Fire ants have a very nasty sting and are quite aggressive .
Fire ants are not adapted to areas with winter temperatures that freeze the soil for a few weeks , so it is unlikely you have them there..

[Jersm]

i suppose i should have looked it up, there is no way they survive our winters.

[tysonlee]

I have a rough list of what I''d like to start with, but it keeps changing, or I'd post it.

[pol_bishop25]

I know these types of ants. It is true that they could be dangerous, but only if you let them build population. An early reaction against these pests will probably deal with them. If you feel somehow threatened make sure to call pest control professionals.