Protect your foundation from ants (NewsUSA) - If ants have ever
invaded your picnic basket or tasted a sticky snack on your
countertop, you have undoubtedly encountered some of the
everyday ants. However, with more than 700 ant species, it is
not just the "common" ants that are causing problems. There are
a host of non-native ants that are wreaking havoc across the
country. Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) -- According to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, RIFAs occupy more than 300 million
acres in 15 southern states and Puerto Rico. Most known for
their painful bite, they are becoming increasingly infamous for
the damage they cause to plant roots and crops. However, one of
their oddest characteristics is that they are attracted to
electrical appliances. In fact, technicians in Texas reported
that "one-third of all repairs to air conditioners in the
summertime were the results of RIFAs shorting out the terminal
blocks." Argentine Ants -- Another non-native ant, this species
has taken up residence across most o