Killer ants from Hell
Alert over killer bugs in sockets
DEADLY ants that can cause electricity blackouts, and even house fires, are invading Britain after sneaking in from Turkey, experts warned last night.
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KILLER ants that can start house fires and cause blackouts are invading Britain.
Colonies of the little fire ant, which burrows into electricity sockets and cables, have been found in Sussex and Yorkshire.
It is believed they were imported accidentally on pot plant shipments from Turkey.
The Government is so concerned about the infestation that they have ordered a report into the ants’ spread and methods to eradicate them.
Scientist Phillip Buckham-Bonnet of York University said fire ants – also known as electric ants – are smaller than British ants but far more aggressive.
Ecologist Elva Robinson said: “They have the potential to have a big impact on the native ecosystem.
“Where they are found, native species are being pushed out.
“Apart from being slightly smaller, they look a lot like our common native garden ant so they can be difficult to recognise.”
Experts say anyone concerned they have fire ants on their property should contact their local council or a pest control firm.
Mr Buckham-Bonnet added: “An invasion of ants in a residential building is certainly worth investigating.” A Harris Hawk called Jack is being used to scare away seagulls in Conwy, Caernarfons, after a series of attacks by the scavengers. MODEL Irina Shayk and movie star Bradley Cooper look abs fab on a Mediterranean holiday. The lovebirds, who have been dating for 16 months, showed off their toned bodies as they left their luxury yacht. Russian beauty Irina, 30, and Hollywood actor Bradley, 41, have been boating and dining on the sun-kissed isle of Maddalena near Sardinia.