fire ants? (Somerset, Ringwood: allergy, living in, gardens)

[HazeGray]

I lived in the Somerset County area as a child, and I would love to move back. I like the Peapack/Bedminster/Oldwick areas as I'm a horse person.

I have lived in NC a long time and discovered that I have a serious allergy to fire ants. I love to garden, play with my dogs outside, etc. and I'm really tired of living in fear of fire ants. I'm tired of spending so much money on pest control!!

I know this is a shot in the dark, but has anyone noticed a fire ant problem in NJ? I know it's possible to find them anywhere, but in some areas they seem to be a lot worse than others.

Thanks for any input.

[jerseyj]

I lived in Ms. and those little devils from HELL are just vicious!
I don't think they have made it to New Jersey yet. According to this article they have been found as far north as Md. and Va. but this population is sparse.

red imported fire ant - Solenopsis invicta

I hope they never make it here!
Thank goodness for our winters

[pixieshmoo]

The only time I've ever seen anything remotely close is up in Ringwood. I was totally grossed out by them, as we were at the botanical gardens and there were swarms, however, I don't know if there is a difference between actual fire ants and red ants or if they're the same thing. But they were red and nasty and I got the heck out of there lol. However, that was the only time I've ever seen them in my life (that I can recall)

[FromDaSack]

Them bit*hes hurt.. i was in Florida and got bit by like 20 of em thinkin wearin sandals in the grass was safe.

i just had all the worst experiences there.

but other then that no, i never got bit by a fire ant in my life in jersey.

[HazeGray]

Fantastic, thank you! Looks like it's time to head back north. I didn't remember seeing them as a kid in NJ, but I was afraid maybe they had moved up there.

I'm very diligent about not wearing flip flops in the grass, but I've been bitten twice in the past month while wearing tennis shoes ... they actually climbed over my shoes and socks. Of course my husband who is not allergic to them at all never gets bitten. He can mow the entire lawn and not be bothered, but I get bitten getting the mail.

Thanks again for your input!