SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 542
	WHEREAS, The effects of the fire ant in Texas are costly 
both in economic and health terms, and it is important for 
citizens to be aware of the dangers and damage associated with 
these insects; and
	WHEREAS, A native of South America, the red imported 
fire ant now infests more than 80 million acres in the state, 
primarily in its eastern two-thirds; in heavily infested areas, 
fire ants sting more than 50 percent of the human population each 
year, with children and elderly Texans having the highest sting 
rate and the greatest risk of severe attacks; the insects are 
known to invade residences and public buildings, including 
nursing homes, schools, and other sites where people are at high 
risk for stings; and
	WHEREAS, It is estimated that fire ants sting nearly
five million Americans every year, and a 2003 poll showed that
81 percent of Texans reported that they have been stung; one 
percent of the population is hypersensitive to fire ant stings 
and risks death if untreated; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to the health and safety risk, these 
insects also negatively impact the economy and the environment;
a study by Texas A&M University has shown that damage and 
management of fire ants in the five major urban areas of the state 
cost more than $580 million annually, including over $11 million 
in electrical equipment destruction; infestation results in 
structural damage, contaminated water systems, and reduced 
property values, and Texas homeowners spend up to $600 per year 
to control the fire ant population; and 
	WHEREAS, The state's veterinarians cite these pests as a 
serious threat to livestock health as well, reporting more than 
7,000 fire ant injury cases annually; cattle producers suffer 
economic losses from cattle injury and death as well as damage to 
feed and hay; moreover, Texas wildlife is seriously affected by 
fire ant infestation, and certain waterbird colonies have 
experienced 100 percent hatchling mortality in fire ant infested 
areas; and
	WHEREAS, The month of April marks the beginning of red 
imported fire ant treatment season, and it is an especially 
critical time of year to promote greater awareness of the fire 
ant issue among the residents of this state; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby recognize April 14, 2005, as Fire Ant 
Prevention Day in Texas and encourage all citizens to learn about 
the dangers of fire ants as well as preventive measures available 
to combat them.
                                                                           Estes




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 4, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate