(Note: UNLV has been informed by the Nevada Department of Agriculture that there is a substantial imported fire ant problem on its campus. Apparently, this infestation is quite large and is likely the result of the pests being imported to campus via landscaping. The following statement was made by Tom Hagge, UNLV's associate vice president for facilities management and planning. He will be working with the Department of Agriculture to eliminate this problem.)

"On Wednesday, June 26, 2002, the Department of Agriculture advised us their random detection survey was positive for imported fire ants. As a result of this finding, we will immediately implement the three-step treatment protocol recommended by state officials. We are taking this problem seriously. The first treatment cycle should be complete within approximately one month; that will be followed by a second detection survey. The treatment protocol will be repeated until the detection survey proves negative for imported fire ants.

"UNLV is partnering with the Department of Agriculture in this eradication program. An 'insect growth limiter' pesticide bait and pesticide spray will be sequentially employed. We have been assured by the Department of Agriculture that the recommended pesticides are safe to humans and animals when used as directed.

"In the meantime, we, along with the Department of Agriculture, suggest that faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors take care to avoid being stung by these insects, as their stings can be quite painful and can cause serious reactions in 1 to 2 percent of the population."

For more information, call the UNLV Environmental Health and Safety Office in Facilities Management at 895-4226.