I. e. Biological Control of Imported Fire Ants

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I. e. Biological Control of Imported Fire Ants

• Teaching Module for Master Gardener Training

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Biological Control of Fire Ants

• Researchers have identified at least 21 species
  of phorid flies that attack fire ants in South
  America.
• Four species are established in the United
  States.

Phorid fly emerging from fire ant head
fly
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Infectious Protozoa

• Disease agent decreases populations in South
  America
• It also is establishing in some states
• Fewer than the phorid fly
• More effective in multiple queen colonies

Kneallhazia solenopsae
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Biological Control
Researchers are always evaluating new biological
control agents, such as microsporidians, viruses
and nematodes.
Electron micrograph of Solenopsis invicta virus 1
(SINV-1) purified from infected fire ants.
Allomermis, a new species of nematode in fire
ants from Argentina
Photo courtesy Sanford Porter, USDA ARS
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Natural Control

• Native ants can help control fire ants

New fire ant queen under attack by another ant
species