Wasmannia auropunctata Scorecard

Little Fire Ant. Photo by: Eli Sarnat, PIAkey: Invasive Ants of the Pacific Islands, USDA APHIS ITP, Bugwood.org

Species:  Wasmannia auropunctata

Common Name:  Little fire ant

Scorecard created on
Last Updated on

Results

Impact Total:22 / 35Impact = ( Spread + Damage - Benefit )

Ability to Respond Total:19 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )

Confidence:High

Confidence Notes:

Impact

SpreadNotesScore
Spread RateEasily transported in potted plants, on plant material, green waste.5
Spread AmountNative range from Argentina to subtropical Mexico and Caribbean. Has established in the Galapagos Islands, West Africa, Melanesia, Polynesia, US (Hawaii, Florida)5
DamageNotesScore
EcologicalEffects on native birds, reptiles, small mammals including endangered species. Increase use of pesticides causes environmental damage potential. Displaces native ants.2
AgriculturalImpacts to farm workers livestock and poultry. Costly treatments to containerized nursery stock to allow movement from infested areas. Disrupts biological control programs4
Infrastructure1
CulturalNegative affects on gardening and recreational use of infested areas.2
HealthNotorious for its painful and long-lasting sting3
BenefitNotesScore
Ecological0
Agricultural0
Infrastructure0
Cultural0
Health0
Total22

Ability to Respond

Ease of ResponseNotesScore
DetectionSmall ants that can easily hide in plants, logs, greenwaste, gravel, or vehicles. 3
ControlEasy to suppress populations with pesticide, but difficult to eradicate.3
Tools in PlaceNotesScore
EntryA-rated pest with CDFA. Multiple interceptions by CDFA5
ControlA-rated pest with CDFA5
OutreachConsiderable information available3
Total19

References