Fire Ant Inspection Contract Approved By RivCo Supes

PALM DESERT, CA — The Board of Supervisors Tuesday authorized the Riverside County Office of the Agricultural Commissioner to renew its contract with the state for inspections of interstate shipping points to identify and eliminate any red imported fire ant infestations.

The compact with the California Department of Food & Agriculture will be retroactive to Aug. 1 and conclude on July 31, 2025, at an estimated total cost to the state of $95,118.

"Residents and businesses will be positively impacted, in that this program is aimed at preventing the spread of red imported fire ants, which are injurious to humans, landscape and exporting businesses," the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner said in a statement posted to the board's agenda.

The office has served as the CDFA's inspection and enforcement agent for red imported fire ant containment over the last decade. Personnel generally examine plant nurseries imported into California to try to confirm whether infestations are present.

Portions of the Coachella Valley are under a federal quarantine of red imported fire ants that is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Orange County has the largest quarantine zone, while Los Angeles County has the smallest in the region.

The ants were first identified in Alabama during the 1930s, originating from overseas. They're known to create large nest mounds and can destroy trees, flowers, soybean, eggplant and fruit crops -- even chew into electrical control boxes that govern sprinkler systems and traffic lights, according to the CDFA.

Additionally, the ants' stings are painful and create welts.

More information is available at www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/ifa.