The big-headed ant, or Pheidole megacephala, is considered an extremely successful invasive species, even being nominated among the World's Worst invaders. The species displaces native ant species and kills native trees wherever it travels. Like in the Laikipia Plateau, the big-headed ant has become an ecological problem in areas of southern Florida. Theoretically, severe weather events such as hurricanes may be linked with the infestation, as destruction from those events necessitated importation of sod and replacement vegetation from other places that accidentally included big-headed ants.

Although the big-headed ant does not sting and usually does not bite, the species' soil nesting habits create frustration to homeowners as the ants attempt to forage in bathrooms and kitchens. The colonies are difficult to control as the colonies are not centralized.

Big-headed ants are not the only invasive species wreaking havoc on their ecological community. Because most non-native or introduced species do not survive long in new habitats, any invasive species possesses the evolutionary adaptations to adjust to their new surroundings. This very nature makes these species difficult to control, as it often represents a competitive advantage over indigenous species in these areas. Not only can these invasive species cause extinction through replacement of these native species, but invasive plants and animals can also be disease vectors, spreading parasites and pathogens that further disrupt the area's ecological health.