ARS | Publication request: Biological Control of Fire Ants:an Update on New Techniques

Submitted to: Annals Of Allergy, Asthma And Immunology
Publication Acceptance Date: January 9, 2004
Publication Date: August 3, 2004
Citation: Williams, D.F., Deshazo, R.D. 2004. Biological Control Of Fire Ants:an Update On New Techniques. Annals Of Allergy, Asthma And Immunology. 93:15-22.

Interpretive Summary: Imported fire ants(IFA)were introduced into the United States in the 1930's and currently inhabit over 320 million acres in 14 states. They continue to expand their range and density in the United States causing problems for man and the environment. They have become the dominant arthropod species causing a multitude of problems for both humans, domestic animals and agriculture. Medical complications of fire ant stings include allergic and toxic reactions occurring from outdoor contact or building infestations. Pesticides have failed to limit IFA expansion which now spans from coast to coast. Several potential biological control agents have been reported by scientists at the Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, FL to have negative effects on fire ant colonies. Recent studies suggest that parasitic decapitating flies and protozoan agents capable of infection of IFA deployed in combination with insecticides have the potential to control IFA. The successful establishment of biological control agents of fire ants would be a major benefit to citizens throughout the fire ant infested areas of the United States. Biological control agents could be especially useful in grazed lands and crops where most fire ant baits are not registered for use. They also could be used in wildlife refuges and preserves where use of many of the current wide-spectrum baits are not environmentally acceptable, as well as being cost prohibitive. Biological control agents could also help retard the spread of fire ants into other susceptible areas. The development of new technologies utilizing biologically-based strategies is important for the future suppression of fire ant populations and has the potential to offer long-term control of these pests over large areas in the U.S. If successful, these programs could save millions of dollars annually by reducing the use of pesticides, greatly benefitting human health and the environment.

Technical Abstract: Imported fire ants (IFA) continue to expand their range and density in the United States causing problems for man and the environment. Medical complications of fire ant stings include allergic and toxic reactions occurring from outdoor contact or building infestation. Pesticides have failed to limit IFA expansion which now spans from coast to coast. Recent studies suggest that parasitic decapitating flies and protozoan agents capable of infection of IFA deployed in combination with insecticides have the potential to control IFA. In this paper, we review the present understanding of these and other biological control methods for IFA. Although extermination of this pest appears unlikely, these techniques offer a greater possibility of long-term control.