ABSTRACT
Imported fire ants, as well as numerous other ant species, are strongly attracted to electric fields (MacKay et al., unpublished). In addition, the fire ant appears to be attracted to the protection from the elements offered by structures such as traffic control cabinets. This attraction results in two basic problems: first, the ants cause short circuits and second, they interfere with the action of mechanical devices. The ants remove insulation from wires, causing shorts between lines. They also bridge contacts on terminal blocks, causing direct shorts through their bodies. The principal problem is interference when they enter relay switches. They accumulate in such large numbers that the switch cannot function or is shorted. This results in numerous equipment problems, ranging from pump motors, air conditioners to traffic signal lights. Although this is a common and widespread problem (Messor et al., 1986; Vinson and MacKay, 1989), it has not been studied to any extent. It has been reported previously in another species. The white-footed ant, Technomyrmex albipes enters relay switches in New Zealand and causes them to malfunction (Little, 1984). Termites may also attack plastic and lead-sheathed cables (Gay and Calaby, 1970).
