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Say Goodbye To The ‘Crazy Raspberry Ants’ Save Email Print
Posted: 5:35 PM Jul 1, 2008
Last Updated: 5:58 PM Jul 1, 2008
Reporter: Nicole Morten
Email Address: morten@kbtx.com

A | A | A

This particular species of ant is attracted to electrical equipment, for reasons that are not well understood by scientists. Reports indicate they are notorious for ruining sewage pumps, fouled computers, and has also caused alarms to malfunction.

According to a recent report, the EPA approved a crisis exemption to the Texas Department of Agriculture that allows the use of Fipronil, or Termidor SC to ward off this particular species of ants.

Only certified and licensed applicators or those supervised by a licensed applicator can apply the pesticide in Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery and Wharton counties.

Whats with the name? They are called "crazy" because they wander erratically instead of marching in regimented lines. They’re also named after Tom Rasberry, an exterminator who did battle against them early on.

The crazy raspberry ants are believed to have arrived in a cargo shipment through the port of Houston in 2002.

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Posted by: ymca Location: College Station on Jul 2, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Darn, I heard "razzberry ants" was hoping the find video of the critters wiggling their fingers next to their heads and giving a nice Phfffff! to the camera. Instead, I find the ants are named after an exterminator who hasn't figured out how to effectively exterminate them. Low expectations triumph again.

Posted by: Alex Location: Bryan on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Invasive species - funny those practicing the religion of "Free Trade" never mention this along with many other costs that remain hidden and unspoken when they try to sell their "Free Trade" con game.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 1, 2008 at 06:04 PM
they are aliens trying to harvest enough energy to return to their planet!

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