FAQ #1091

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

Will flying fire ants kill fish?

Related resource areas: Imported Fire Ants

More research is needed to definitively answer this question. There are frequent reports of fish kills attributed to fire ants, but there is still debate as to whether this actually occurs. Most of these reports are unfounded, but there have been a few documented cases. Autopsies of fish have shown that their stomachs were packed with flying (winged) imported fire ants. As noted in FAQ #796, "Why do flying fire ants land in my swimming pool?" the flying ants are attracted to the reflective surfaces of the water, providing an abundant food supply for the fish. When the fish consume many fire ants, the large quantity of food and the venom from stings could combine to cause the kills.

Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.

Comments

Post a comment about this topic

Please keep comments on topic. To ask a question, please use Ask an Expert. All comments are held for moderation. Comments that include profanity, personal attacks or other inappropriate material will not be posted to the site.

Did you find this page useful?

No one has rated this article yet. Why not be the first? what is this?
not useful
very useful
 1  2  3  4  5