Woman Finds Giant Ant Nest — Then Experts Discover What Else Is Inside…

The veterinarian examined Pip before the clinic opened. “These look like fire-ant stings,” he said, parting the fur on Pip’s leg. “But vomiting this badly or that bluish bruising is unusual.” Mary showed him the blue residue in a food bag. He collected a sample and promised to send it for testing. Pip received fluids and medicine, then went home weak but stable.

Mary had barely placed his basket in the kitchen when she saw movement beside the utility-room door. Red ants streamed through a crack in the floor. She called pest controller Owen Price, who arrived wearing boots and carrying equipment. Outside, he carefully studied the mound without stepping close. “That is not an ordinary nest,” he said. “It may be several colonies joined together.”

Owen caught one ant with forceps and examined it through a hand lens. His expression tightened. “Imported fire ant,” he said. “They are aggressive, and they should not be established here.” He lifted a paving stone near the wall. Beneath it, workers carried blue grains into a dark opening. “What is that and why would they want that?” Mary asked. Owen touched the soil with his probe. The ground erupted. A red wave surged from the crack and spread towards their boots!