Fire ants are attracted to all sources of electricity, most intensely to systems like circuit boards. They may hone into systems far from their location and migrate there, relocating the entire nest in the process. 'Relocate' though may be the wrong word, generally the ants stay close to the buzz in a state of, at the very least, forgetfulness until they starve to death or are electrocuted. Since this is based on observation of animal action within a relatively new system, there's no explanation. Cultural behavior of the fire ant and its course of life has been altered by the way we harness and use electricity. But everyone wants to know why they're attracted in the first place.
Why are fire ants attracted to sources of electricity?
"I would assume that the response of the fire ants is a taxis for the
current carried in the wires of power supplies for pumps, electric
fences, etc. A colleague said that there was "something sweet"
produced by the electric current and this material was why the ants
were attracted. I have searched a number of web sites, but could not
find an answer. Thanks!"
The only thing to kill a sweet electric taste?
"Sparks and other UGA entomologists are studying new and unconventional ways to fight fire ants. One new technique is to introduce one of the ant's natural enemies, the Brazilian phorid fly.
The tiny fly lays its egg inside a fire ant's body. The egg hatches into a larva, which moves into the ant's head and causes it to fall off. The fly completes its development inside the fallen head."
