Fire Ants in Orange County: Peril or Godsend?

* If the new fire ant problem in Orange County keeps even one new family from moving here or keeps the home builders from carving up one more piece of land, then they should be welcomed with open long-sleeved arms.

It’s ironic that even the wall around Coto de Caza will not keep this new menace from invading the county elite.

If we could just breed fire ants with a specific attraction for toll roads and military housing at surf spots, then the Orange County lifestyle may indeed be saved.

STUART GLICK

Dana Point

* I am the manager of one of the two large nurseries in southern Orange County where the fire ant was detected. Let me assure the public that the fire ant problem did not originate with the nurseries. We grow our own and do not import any plants from out of state.

The most likely source of the fire ants is unscrupulous plant brokers, importing infested palms from Florida, bypassing agricultural inspections and selling these plants to the unsuspecting public through retail outlets.

We are now baiting with a fire ant growth regulator that will prevent the queens from reproducing. This chemical is not a pesticide and is very safe to the public.

It is very important for people to understand the difference between a growth regulator and a pesticide. This is the only way we can eventually eradicate the new pests. Spraying pesticides will do little to eliminate them.

I urge the public to join in our battle and educate themselves about this new problem. Fire ants are a threat to the agricultural industry and to our economy. They are also a big threat to small pets and children.

The public will decide whether we win or lose this war.

HENRY SAKAIDA

Rosemead