The European fire ant, Myrmica rubra (L.), is a new invasive pest in the Northeastern United States, with particularly severe infestations in areas of coastal Maine. The fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana is being considered as a potential biological control agent. However, it has been shown that some species of ants are able to reduce the effectiveness of pathogens through hygienic behaviors. The behaviors of M. rubra workers contaminated with B. bassiana spores and their interactions with uncontaminated nestmates were observed in laboratory colonies. Marked workers were dipped in a B. bassiana spore solution, released into the foraging area of the nest and observed. Behaviors including self grooming, allogrooming and aggression, as well as position within the nest arena, were recorded.