Ant smuggling into the US is out of control since Trump’s cuts – and it could have dire impacts on the country
Why are people smuggling ants into the US?
- The smuggling of ants and other insects in the US is reportedly on the rise following recent cuts to the USDA.
- These cuts, implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, led to layoffs and buyouts within the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which regulates invertebrate smuggling.
- Industry sources suggest that these reductions have emboldened ant smugglers, while the process for legal ant sales has become more difficult, contributing to an increase in illicit trade.
- Invasive ant species, such as tawny crazy ants and Asian needle ants, pose significant environmental and public health risks, damaging ecosystems, homes, and causing severe stings.
- Experts express concern over the reduced infrastructure for detecting and preventing invasive species, although the USDA maintains that its enforcement capabilities have not diminished.