Source: Elizabeth Friend, WUNC, 5/9/19


Imported red fire ants are known for building large mounds that get in the way of everything from lawn mowing to crop harvesting. They swarm aggressively when disturbed, and defend themselves with painful, venomous stings. The invasive species first made its way into Southeastern North Carolina in the late '50s, and ever since, the ants have been slowly, but surely, spreading north and west throughout the state.

For more of this story, click here.