Red Imported Fire Ant Infestation Hits Montecito

Santa Barbara County officials are addressing an infestation of red imported fire ants in Montecito, a town known for its celebrity residents. These aggressive ants, native to South America, pose a significant threat to California's agricultural economy due to their ability to damage crops and contaminate nursery products, necessitating quarantines. The infestation likely originated from contaminated soil in nursery stock shipped from Riverside County in September 2023. Red imported fire ants can sting humans, pets, and livestock, causing painful pustules and posing risks to sensitive individuals. Monitoring and eradication efforts are underway, with potential long-term implications for local agriculture if infestations spread. This marks the county's first encounter with this invasive species since 2017, highlighting ongoing challenges with pest management in the region.