Red Imported Fire Ants Found In Guangzhou Parks

Red imported fire ants have been discovered on lawns and in green belts within Yuexiu Park in Guangzhou. Local authorities have initiated disinfection and control operations to manage the infestation. The ants form loose mounds of soil measuring 10 to 30 centimeters in height. These mounds feature a distinct honeycomb-like structure, which differs from the flat trails made by ordinary ants. Expert Zhou Xingming noted that the ants' venom is highly hazardous and can cause severe systemic discomfort even with small stings. The insects possess a stinger at the end of the abdomen used for defense. Even small amounts of venom can cause severe systemic discomfort in humans. The venom consists of toxic proteins that are released from a venom sac during an attack. Medical experts advise using pointed tweezers to remove ticks vertically to avoid rupturing them, noting that manual squeezing increases infection risk. Zheng Jie, head of the AI division at Baize Film and Television, noted the species' presence. Professor Zhou Xingmiao from the College of Plant Science and Technology at Huazhong Agricultural University stated the ants are highly aggressive and will initiate attacks. People have reportedly been swarmed after accidentally stepping on nests.