How to identify and deal with red imported fire ant (hiari)

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After red imported fire ants (hiari, in Japanese), an invasive alien species native to South America, were first discovered in the city of Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, on May 26^th, they have since been found in the main ports in the country.

To correctly identify the fire ants, we gathered the detection methods and prevention against red imported fire ants. Learn how to prevent yourself in case you find the fire ant or some similar ant.

1 Characteristics of a red imported fire ant

• Different from the native species to Japan, red imported fire ants build colonies of ants in the soil.
• These ants become aggressive if their colonies are poked by a rod or other object and come out from the holes in groups to attack.

2 How to identify it

• It is reddish and bright
• Its abdomen (butt) is dark color
• Its size range from 2,5mm to 6mm

3 In case you find a red imported fire ant or similar ant

In case you find a colony of ants similar to fire ants and are thinking in wiping them out, we ask your collaboration to inform the nearest city hall as soon as possible.

* The unprepared extermination of fire ants may end up spreading them, so we ask you for not do it. In addition, exterminating the ants native to Japan (more than 270 species) may end up destroying the ecosystem so, have this in mind.

4 If you get stung by an red imported fire ant

In case you get stung by a fire ant, you will develop symptoms such as strong pain or swelling. In case you feel something unusual go to the hospital and during the medical examination inform them you got stung by an ant.

5 Fire ants species display

Between August 31 and September 14, 2017 Mie Prefectural Museum (MieMu) will hold a free display of real fire ants species and important notes when finding them. See more details on the link below:

http://www.pref.mie.lg.jp/TOPICS/m0013700083.htm

6 Contact information: Mie-ken Suisan-bu Midori Kyosei Suishin-ka (Mie Prefecture Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishiries Division for Promotion of Common Life with Green Environment)

Address    〒514-8570        Tsu-shi Komei-cho 13 Banchi (6th floor at Central Office)

TEL　059-224-2578　　FAX　059-224-2070　　E-mail　midori@pref.mie.jp

[Materials for reference] Documents from Ministry of the Environment (only in Japanese)

“Stop the Hiari (references related to the characteristics of hiari, extermination methods of their habitat・measures to be taken if you get stung)”

https://www.env.go.jp/nature/intro/4document/files/r_fireant.pdf