Over the past century, red fire ants have spread throughout much of the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China and Australia. Last year, they were spotted in Europe for the first time.

The red fire ... ant queens with those of ants from other parts of the world, researchers said the particular population of the invasive species in Sicily likely came from either the US or China.

01:16 China launches campaign to control fire ants, one of the world’s most hazardous invasive species China launches campaign to control fire ants, one of the world’s most hazardous invasive ...

and are moving at a rate of 80km per year through China. Animals such as dogs and horses are susceptible to red fire ant bites. Supplied: Invasive Species Council Australia has contained the ...