Tawny Crazy Ants Invade South Mississippi, Spreading Across 10 Counties
Tawny crazy ants, an invasive species from South America, are spreading across South Mississippi, now found in 10 counties including Madison, Marion, Lamar, Perry, Jones, and Wilkinson. These ants form large "supercolonies" and, while harmless to humans, can cause electrical…
Hattiesburg Laurel, MS, November 5, 2026 —
An invasive ant species originating from South America, identified as the Tawny crazy ant, is rapidly expanding its territory across South Mississippi. The ants have now been detected in a total of 10 counties throughout the region.
The counties confirmed to harbor populations of this invasive species include Madison, Marion, Lamar, Perry, Jones, and Wilkinson, among others. The current trend summary does not specify the exact dates of these detections or the complete list of all 10 affected counties.
Tawny crazy ants are known for their tendency to form extensive “supercolonies.” While these ants are not considered harmful to humans, their presence poses other challenges. A significant concern is their potential to cause damage to electrical equipment. These ants are attracted to warm nesting sites, which can include the internal components of electrical devices and machinery.
Furthermore, when outdoor populations become substantial, the ants may seek entry into residential and commercial structures, potentially leading to homeowner complaints and pest control issues.
Managing infestations of Tawny crazy ants is reportedly difficult. Current advice for residents and businesses focuses on preventative measures to deter the ants from nesting or entering structures. For severe or persistent infestations, professional pest control services are recommended.
Information regarding specific control methods, timelines of the spread, or the number of reported incidents in each county was not provided in the trend summary. The contractor or agency responsible for monitoring and reporting on the spread was also not specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Cadence Renfro on www.wdam.com, see more information here.
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