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Biology and Management of the Red Imported Fire Ant
| Name | Paul Thompson | | Situation | The Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) is a major concern for all people in the state of South Carolina due to the threat to humans, pets, livestock, animals, and damage they can cause to electrical equipment. Being an imported insect, they have no natural indigenous enemies that aid in suppression. There are many pesticides that do a good job in controlling RIFA, but some are very expensive or are used in ways which do not produce the results that are wanted. There are also "home remedies" that are either ineffective or are damaging to the environment. | | Response | Clemson Extension announced a program on the biology and management of RIFA. The three-hour workshop focused on the biology of the RIFA to include the life-cycle and means of reinfestation of treated areas. The types of pesticides labeled for management of the RIFA and the application methods to improve the effectiveness and longevity of treatments was presented. Insights into research promoting biological control agents from South America were also introduced. | | Impact | The workshop was attended by 25 individuals representing commercial landscaping, garden centers, and municipal workers involved in landscape maintenance. Twenty-three evaluations were completed. Of these, 100% indicated that their knowledge was increased on the biology and management of the RIFA. The following comments are excerpts from their responses on how they planned to use the information:
"Reduce ant populations in parks."
"Help control mounds at work and home."
"To better manage fire ants."
"For own use, and customers through landscaping business."
"Train employees."
"Find out where biological controls are now."
"Aid in helping my customers."
"Bait more often."
"Teach my students about fire ants and use the knowledge on our
school grounds."
"Assist customers in the proper selection of product and advise
them in proper application."
"Help control fire ant populations at all schools in Rock Hill School
District 3."
"Cut cost of control of fire ants on commercial property."
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Last update7/9/2008
This website is maintained by Cheryl Clary.
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