photo by: Wikipedia
Pinebox Elementary was temporarily evacuated yesterday afternoon because an unusual pest was discovered on the grounds. Yellow crazy ants, normally found in Australia, were found in the west end parking lot.
The yellow crazy ants, named for their erratic movements when disturbed, were seen and identified by Jennifer Lanhert a botany student at ETU.
“I was digging through my purse when I caught movement near my shoe. I have never seen any pests like that around here — and I grew up here.” Jennifer Lanhert stated. “In studying plants I have always looked also to the critters that affect plant life; I knew this one was unusual.”
Yellow crazy ants are one of the largest invasive ant species in the world, but are not often found in the United States. While these ants do not sting or bite, they protect themselves by spraying a formic acid. This acid is powerful enough to cause blindness in adults and especially in children.
Officials are unsure of where these particular ants came from but agree it might be possible it was deliberately planted on school grounds. Pest control and officials will continue to sweep not only the grounds of Pinebox Elementary but the surrounding areas for more evidence.
