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Slowing fire ants
Calling
on nature to help in the fight against fire ants, Clemson scientists are
testing the use of biological controls from the ants' native South America.
One of the ants' natural enemies is the phorid fly, which decapitates
fire ants by laying its eggs inside the ants. As the larva develops, it
moves into the ant's head and causes the head to fall off.
In
another study, the scientists introduced a naturally occurring disease
into fire ant colonies. The disease reduces the ability of the queen to
lay eggs so the colony dies out over a period of six to eight months.
Both these natural controls have been shown to affect fire ants exclusively.
Other
studies are examining the impact of fire ants on wildlife and the economy,
as well as on human health. In addition, researchers are developing best
management practices to control fire ant populations while reducing pesticide
use.
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