Recently the Office of the State Entomologist reached out to the Bell County ANR Agent regarding invasive, Imported Fire Ants being found in the county. Two mounds were identified in Middlesboro and successfully treated. According to the UK Department of Entomology, Imported Fire Ants (IFA) have been spreading into Kentucky since 2000. The Land Between the Lakes area has had isolated incidences of fire ants. In 2022, IFA was found in southern Kentucky, specifically McCreary, Whitley, and Knox counties.

The State Entomologists website goes on to state that fire ants are a significant health concern and can be agricultural pests. Worker ants will vigorously defend their nest, often resulting in dozens of stings on people and animals. The sting site will burn and become inflamed. Anaphylaxis is possible in sensitive people.

 After being contacted by the state entomologist, the ANR agent promptly created a Facebook post to make the public aware of this growing threat. After posting of the information the Bell Cooperative Extension County office received calls and requests for the ANR agent visit and identify suspected fire ant mounds on their property. One property owner reported that her four year old son had been bitten by an unidentified ant and the wound had developed into a large, painful blister. 

At this time the Facebook post has been shared 100 times, reaching  multiple families in the county and letting them know about the impending problem.