RIFA Colony After Rainfall

The Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) is seeking the public’s help in reporting Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) and eliminating standing water. The record rainfall Orange County has received this season will have significant affects on two of the District’s Vector Control programs. The first order of business for a RIFA colony following a rainfall storm is to clean out the tunnels within the nest; and since these nests can extend several feet underground, the amount of soil removed can be considerable. This excavated material is taken to the surface and added into the colony’s mound. Since most RIFA mounds are found in turf, residents that discover a pile of soil about the consistency of coarse coffee grounds in their lawn, is likely a RIFA colony. Inspections following a rain event are always productive; the rain has forced previously unknown RIFA colonies to reveal themselves. Residents that make such a discovery are urged to contact OCVCD and report the mound as soon as possible. This call will set in motion a treatment procedure that will result in the elimination of the colony.

Red imported fire ants were accidentally introduced to the United States on trade ships from South America in the 1930s. Since then, they have become established across the South and in parts of California and other Western States. Fire ants invade electrical equipment, causing short circuits and equipment failures. They also cause ongoing expense to turfgrass managers. These fire ant mounds are unsightly hazards in yards, parks, and other recreational areas, where they are especially dangerous to children and pets.

The second concern is mosquito breeding sources around the home and workplace. The recent rains have filled anything that will hold water. Mosquitoes have been found developing in containers holding as little as ••• inch of water! Any container around a house is a potential mosquito producer. Residents are asked to carefully and frequently look around their homes and anywhere they visit for any containers that are holding water. These containers should be emptied and left inverted if possible.

If there is standing water that cannot be easily eliminated; or you are aware of a larger source, such as a pond or an unused swimming pool, contact OCVCD. District Vector Control Inspectors can quickly and safely stop mosquito production. If you are aware of a mosquito problem but are unsure where it is coming from, OCVCD can locate the source and eliminate it.

Visit www.ocvcd.org for more information or to place a service request or call (714) 971-2421 for assistance.