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The imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta; IFA) is a federally regulated invasive species that is a threat to agriculture and poses a health concern to humans, livestock and wildlife due to its painful sting and venom. IFA are notorious hitchhikers that can move in bales of hay and straw that have been stored on the ground.
At present, 79 counties in North Carolina are fully or partially quarantined for imported fire ant. Unfortunately, the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Helene are the counties in the state where IFA has not yet established. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Plant Industry Division (NCDA&CS-PID) has the utmost sympathy for the communities devastated by the storm and recognizes the dire need for hay during this critical response phase.
On-site IFA hay inspections by NCDA&CS staff in Western North Carolina are not logistically feasible, but we are sensitive to the emergency need for hay to reach its destination quickly. Many agencies, individuals and volunteer groups are working diligently to ensure livestock have the hay they need. During the current emergency response phase, below are management practices for hay distribution sites that will reduce the risk of moving IFA in hay bales.- Whenever possible, have the hay inspected by your state department of agriculture before it is loaded in a quarantine area (see maps). NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division staff will prioritize these inspections when contacted (see contact details below). Shippers with out-of-state inspection agencies can contact Joy Goforth at (919) 707-3753.
- Use a bait to treat hay storage areas to prevent establishment at distribution locations.
- Connect hay recipients with Extension for treatment recommendations should they suspect they have transported IFA to their farm, and ask them to follow up with the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division.
- If the shipment originates in a quarantined area and will not exit or pass through a non-regulated area, no inspection is required.
