Along the Gulf Coast of Texas, a mysterious variety of ants is ruining more than just picnics. The pests, about the size of fire ants, invade just about everywhere, from back yards to circuit breakers, where they can cause electrical shorts. Even Hobby Airport and Kennedy Space Center are worried, according to the New York Times.

Natural born killers

For now, scientists don’t know what to call the ants, but they believe the bugs are related to a variety in Columbia known to asphyxiate chickens and swarm live cattle. Instead of stinging, these ants bite. Their aggressive nature, combined with their rapid reproduction rates, puts them at the top of the insect food chain. In Texas, they are even feasting on red fire ants, who can be fierce little warriors themselves.

While you’d think the infestation would be a boon to local exterminators, the ants are only vulnerable to certain environmentally-restricted pesticides. As a result, residents are unhappy with the steep treatment fees — sometimes as high as $600 — that exterminators charge for each appointment. Often times, the treatments prove ineffective, and exterminators must return to infested sites to spray more chemicals. One exterminator told the Times the ants were actually costing him money.

Coming to a yard near you

So far the infestations have been limited to moist coastal communities. Even so, a specialist at Texas A&M said the ants were moving about a half mile every year.

Did you know?

Ants are among the cleanest of species. Worker ants are often in charge of taking garbage out and putting it in a special pile. For more fun ant facts, scurry over to NATURE’s Critter Guide. Then watch a preview of NOVA’s “Lord of the Ants,” an intimate portrait the “ant man” — scientist, writer, and ant advocate E.O. Wilson.

“Lord of the Ants” airs Tuesday, May 20 at 8pm on Thirteen. Visit NOVA online for more information.