"Fire Ants Form Deadly Rafts to Survive Australian Floods"

Invasive fire ants in Australia have been observed forming "rafts" in floodwaters, allowing them to spread to new territories. The ants, known for their painful stings, have been steadily increasing their foothold in the country and were recently found further south in northern New South Wales. Authorities are urging residents to be vigilant in checking their properties for fire ants and to report any sightings. The spread of fire ants is a global problem, and efforts to eradicate them in Australia have been ongoing, with over $440 million committed to eradication efforts since 2017.