How can fire ants typically invade school buildings?

Fire ants typically invade school buildings primarily through their foraging behaviors, where they create trails in search of food sources. Fire ants are known for their aggressive foraging patterns and can often be seen marching in lines as they scout for food items, which may include leftover lunches or spilled snacks. This behavior leads them to approach buildings where they can exploit available resources, making pathways through which they can establish colonies within or around the structure if they find an appealing food source.

While other factors, like existing cracks in the buildings or pest control measures, might play a role in facilitating their entry, the most significant behavior lies in their search for food. This creates the opportunity for them to find ways into school buildings, especially when food is abundant.

The misconception that fire ants do not enter buildings at all is inaccurate, as they are opportunistic pests that will take advantage of food resources near or within structures. Although pest control treatments might disrupt fire ant populations temporarily, they won't stop individual ants from foraging, which remains the primary reason for their presence in schools.