In the event of a flood a fire ant colony will emerge and all of its members will link together into a floating mass that will float until it finds dry land.
Features of a floating fire ant colony:
(1) The area has been invaded by fire ants.
(2) There has been a significant flood.
(3) A mass is seen floating in the water in the form of a ball, ribbon, streamer, or raft.
(4) The mass may be associated with floating plant debris.
(5) The mass is a reddish brown.
(6) On closer examination the mass is made up of thousands of fire ants.
The fire ants will attack if a person comes into contact with the floating colony. They will also climb up an oar or paddle.
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