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I. e. Biological Control of Imported Fire Ants. Teaching Module for Master Gardener Training. 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.
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I. e. Biological Control of Imported Fire Ants Teaching Module for Master Gardener Training
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
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
40 nm Photo courtesy S. M. Valles, USDA-ARS 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
Natural Control Native ants can help control fire ants New fire ant queen under attack by another ant species