Spam to be used to lure invasive big-headed ants
Posted: May 4, 2014 - 2:14am
This photo provided by the City Of Costa Mesa shows a Big-Headed. This invasive species of big-headed ants has been found in the front yard of a Costa Mesa home, prompting a full canvassing of the neighborhood as agricultural officials work to understand the scope of the problem. The ants aren't considered dangerous, although they're known for aggressively invading homes. (AP Photo/Courtesy Of City Of Costa Mesa)
COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) -- California agriculture officials are on the hunt for an invasive species of ant that's been spotted in an Orange County yard -- and they'll use Spam as bait. The Orange County Register (http://bit.ly/1i6Ltwq ) reports that 1,570 bait stations will be set up Monday in seven Orange County cities.(backslash) The ants love the fatty, oily food. An amateur bug-lover spotted a colony last month in a Costa Mesa yard and agriculture officials have been trying to determine if there are other colonies. The species is native to Africa and has a huge head. If it spreads in California it could threaten the state's agriculture. The ants aren't dangerous to humans. Officials will try to get the OK from property owners before placing the bait stations in front yards.

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