In the summer of 2026, 8-year-old Lucy’s last day at sleepaway camp took an unexpected turn. While playing a game of capture the counselor, she stepped barefoot into two massive fire ant mounds, resulting in over 60 stings on each foot. Her mother, Meghan Goddin, described the recovery as “long and torturous,” with physical scars taking months to heal and psychological scars lingering even two years later.
Lucy’s experience is not unique. Fire ants, though often considered just a nuisance, have been a significant threat to Austin‘s ecosystem, agriculture industry, and public health for decades. Their invasion, which began in the 1930s, has left a lasting impact on the region.
The Spread of Fire Ants in Texas
Fire ants, native to South America, arrived in Mobile, Alabama, in the 1930s and began their march westward. By the 1950s, local leaders in Texas were aware of their migration. An Austin American-Statesman article from 1958 warned of the spreading infestation, noting that these ants migrate and the problem was heading towards Austin.
Farmers reported devastating losses, with fire ants killing baby cattle, spoiling crops, and even shorting out electrical equipment. Biologists warned of potential harm to birds, toads, and other insects. In rare cases, fire ant stings could be lethal to humans. By 1998, the estimated annual cost to Texans was $1.2 billion.
The Search for a Solution
Local officials encouraged residents to use insecticides and report sightings, but these measures proved ineffective. The chemicals used, such as chlordane, heptachlor, and mirex, were later found to be carcinogenic and were phased out by the late ’70s. It seemed like Texans were giving up on the possibility of eradicating fire ants.
However, Larry Gilbert, a professor of integrative biology at the University of Texas at Austin, saw hope in a natural predator. During a trip to Brazil in the mid-80s, he observed that red imported fire ants were kept in check by phorid flies. These tiny flies inject eggs into the ants, causing chaos and eventually leading to the ant’s death.
The Introduction of Phorid Flies
Gilbert’s team embarked on a decades-long mission to naturalize four species of phorid flies in Texas. The flies not only killed some ants but also made it harder for them to forage for food. Gilbert reported receiving congratulations from ranchers who noticed an increase in quail and lizards after the flies arrived.
“We’re pretty convinced that it has had a damping effect,” Gilbert said. However, despite these efforts, fire ant mounds remain ubiquitous in Austin backyards, parks, and summer camps.
The Legacy of Fire Ants in Austin
While the phorid fly has contributed to a slow, widespread decline in red imported fire ant populations, the battle is far from over. Fire ants continue to be a persistent problem, affecting both the environment and the quality of life for Austin residents.
From swarming backyards to threatening agriculture, fire ants have left a lasting impact on Austin. The story of their invasion and the scientific efforts to control them serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to maintain ecological balance in the face of invasive species.