The Red Imported Fire Ant: The Visitor Who Wouldn’t Leave. A brief overview of the control of \u3ci\u3eSolenopsis invicta\u3c/i\u3e in the United States

Abstract

The ease at which people, plants and animals move across the globe has created the perfect vehicle for transporting pests and disease. The introduction of non-native species into an ecosystem is a cause for great concern. The economic impact alone makes this a situation that effects everyone. The Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren has become a major agricultural and urban pest throughout the southeastern United States. In addition, fire ants cause both medical and environmental harm (Stimac and Alves 1994). The cost associated with the control of the RIFA is significant. An estimated cost of about $36 per household is associated with the presence of fire ants (Diffie and Sheppard 1990). State and federal agencies have spent more than$250 million in total to control or eradicate the fire ant. Private agencies and individuals spend $25 to 40 million yearly for chemical pesticides for fire ant control (Stimac and Alves 1994)