Virginia’s battle against invasive imported fire ants has reached a new phase, with state officials announcing a significant expansion of quarantine areas to prevent further spread of these destructive pests across the commonwealth.

New Areas Under Quarantine

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has added ten new localities to the existing Imported Fire Ant Quarantine, bringing additional protections to both agricultural and urban areas. The expansion now includes:

Counties:

• Chesterfield
• Lee
• Nottoway
• Pittsylvania
• Prince George
• Surry

Independent Cities:

• Colonial Heights
• Danville
• Hopewell
• Petersburg

This expansion comes after recent VDACS surveys confirmed that imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta Buren and Solenopsis richteri Forel, and their hybrids) have become established in these areas, creating an urgent need for containment measures.

Why Fire Ants Are a Serious Threat

Imported fire ants aren’t just a minor nuisance—they pose significant risks to Virginia’s economy, environment and public health. These invasive insects damage crops and agricultural equipment, disrupt local wildlife populations and create serious problems in urban areas. For humans, fire ant stings can cause painful welts and allergic reactions, with rare cases leading to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Once fire ants establish themselves in an area, they spread rapidly through natural means and human activities. Without proper containment, they can quickly colonize new territories, making early intervention critical.

What Businesses Need to Know

Companies operating within the quarantined areas face new responsibilities when shipping materials outside the quarantine zone. Any business moving regulated articles must now certify that their products are free of imported fire ants.

Regulated articles include:

• Soil (except commercially prepared soil in original containers)
• Plants with roots and attached soil
• Grass sod
• Used soil-moving and farm equipment with non-compacted soil
• Hay and straw stored on the ground
• Honey bee hives stored on the ground
• Logs and pulpwood with attached soil

Businesses have two main options for compliance: follow USDA-approved treatment protocols or enter into a compliance agreement with VDACS. The detailed treatment guidelines are available in the USDA’s Quarantine Treatments manual, which provides step-by-step procedures for ensuring shipments meet quarantine requirements.

Resources for Affected Businesses

VDACS has made several resources available to help businesses navigate the new requirements:

• An updated quarantine map showing exactly which areas are affected
• Detailed information about compliance agreements
• Links to USDA treatment protocols
• Contact information for additional guidance

Businesses can check whether their location falls within the quarantine area by consulting the most current map on the VDACS website. Those needing to ship regulated materials should review the compliance options and consider entering into an agreement with VDACS to streamline their operations.

Looking Ahead

This quarantine expansion represents Virginia’s proactive approach to invasive species management. By implementing these restrictions now, the state aims to slow the spread of imported fire ants and protect uninfested areas from future colonization.

For businesses and residents in affected areas, the quarantine may require some operational adjustments, but these measures are essential for protecting Virginia’s agricultural economy and natural resources from long-term damage.

More information about the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine, including compliance procedures and updated maps, is available on the VDACS website at their plant industry services section.