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Red fire ants found near Disneyland
The reddish-brown insects are armed with a fiery sting that can cause blisters and sores. They pose a serious danger to children and can be potentially deadly to people with insect allergies.
The reddish-brown insects are armed with a fiery sting that can cause blisters and sores. They pose danger to children and can be potentially deadly to people with insect allergies. Officials trying to halt the ants' invasion found 30 more mounds on Thursday, said Donald Lam, spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
"Just one mound was found at the Disneyland site," Lam said. "It's at the entrance, not inside."
The park is scheduled to open in September.
Since the ant colonies were found 10 days ago, a total of 576 have been discovered in Hong Kong, Lam said.
Workers in white protective moon suits have been spraying insecticide on the mounds and hunting for the insects in parks, nurseries and shops selling potted plants.
The ants' sting can be as painful as those from a bee or a wasp, and it's strong enough to kill frogs, lizards and small mammals. It's rare to be stung by a single fire ant. Large numbers will swarm onto the body and then strike almost simultaneously. They can cause blisters and sores, and pose danger to children, small animals and people allergic to the insects.
