So-called crazy ants — tiny, numerous ants that are invading sites across Texas and Florida — have made their move on NASA‘s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The ants escaped from a military robotics facility earlier this year, feasting on electricity and increasing in number as they absorb power from houses and businesses across the southern United States. Now, they’re attacking NASA’s computer hardware in an effort to take over not only the Earth, but other worlds, according to NASA scientist William Jones.
“These ants have absorbed all of the electrical equipment they’ve touched — whether computers or microwaves — and harnessed the power of today’s technology. When they were found at Johnson Space Center, we realized the implications immediately. The crazy ants consider Earth conquered, and they’re hoping to take over other worlds by employing the power of NASA’s space program.”
Pesticides and other routine methods of insecticide have no effect on the crazy ant, which creates a tiny electrical field around each ant that protects it from sprays and other hazards. On the rare occasion when a crazy ant is killed, its titanium parts and electrical power are absorbed by surrounding ants, making the colony stronger. The only hope, according to Jones, is that the ants will take over NASA’s space program and seek new worlds to spread their kind.
“It’s a harsh verdict, but perhaps it’ll be better in the long run if the crazy ants take over the NASA facilities. That way, they can peaceably head off for other worlds and leave us alone,” said Jones.
The Scientific Enquirer 