In areas where fire ant populations are very high, the ants may reduce populations of other ground-dwelling insects, including some native ant species, with which they compete for resources.
They also may attack the nestlings of ground-nesting birds, reptiles and other wildlife. Researchers are studying the impact of fire ants on wildlife and evaluating fire ant management approaches. While fire ants are reducing the pupulations of some wildlife species, other conditions such as land use practices and weather conditions also contribule to declining populations.
In addition to wildlife, fire ants can cause stress and veterinary issues to livestorck and companion animals that reside or spend time in the same areas where fire ants are found. There are reports of fire ants being found in the rumen of calf stomachs and damage to calf eyes from fire ant stings.
For more information see "Are fire ants good or bad?" at www.extension.org.
