The red imported fire ant, or RIFA for short, is no ordinary red ant. This invasive pest lives up to its name, delivering a sting that causes a burning sensation when its venom is injected into the skin.
People sometimes confuse RIFA with the native southern fire ant. Both can become very agitated when their nest is disturbed but RIFA are more likely to attack. RIFA can bite and sting its victim repeatedly, and its sting is more serious, causing a burning and itching sensation. This is followed by the formation of a white pustule, which can take several weeks to disappear. If not kept clean, the pustules can become infected and may leave permanent scarring. A small...
The following press release was distributed on April 13, 2017 by the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program.
Huanglongbing was confirmed in a single citrus tree in the City of La Habra in Orange County on April 11. This new find will result in a new HLB quarantine area, which will link the existing quarantines into a contiguous zone spanning portions of Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Additionally, two samples of Asian citrus psyllids in Anaheim tested positive for carrying the bacteria that causes HLB. These lab results were confirmed last week, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture is treating host plants in the surrounding 800-meter area. No...