Marketplace Morning Report Federal job cuts lead to a black market boom ... for ants
Sep 4, 2025
A surprising black market for ants has emerged, spurred by federal job cuts affecting pest control experts. This illicit trade poses serious risks to ecosystems and public health. Meanwhile, the podcast discusses how these staffing reductions threaten the United States' ability to combat invasive species. Also featured is the potential impact of Trump's appointment of Stephen Myron to the Federal Reserve, setting the stage for important financial discussions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Staffing Cuts Weaken Pest Oversight
- Federal entomologists were cut from the USDA, leaving gaps in pest-control oversight.
- That staffing loss has created perception that no one is watching invasive-species trade, increasing risk.
Two-Tier Illicit Ant Market
- The illicit ant trade has two wings: rare exotic dealers and unpermitted domestic sellers.
- Many sellers on platforms like eBay or Amazon likely lack interstate permits and skirt regulations.
Ants Can Cause Serious Economic Harm
- Invasive ants can cause major economic and public-health harm beyond being a nuisance.
- They can damage electrical systems, buildings, and pose venom or bite risks to people.