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1 Institute of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Hyogo /The Museum of Nature and Human Activities Hyogo 6 Yayoigaoka, Sanda-shi, Hyogo 669-1546, Japan 2 Biodiversity Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan *E-mail: aenictus@mac.com 1. Introduction Global Environmental Research 28/2024 101-107 printed in Japan 2024 AIRIES The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is one of the most serious invasive alien species, and has destructive effects on native biodiversity, agriculture and public health. In Japan, the S. invicta invasion was first discovered on May 26, 2017, in a shipping container transported from China. Since then, the threat of S. invicta establishment in Japan has been increasing due to its ongoing arrival via cargo container traffic from China. Here we describe the imminent threat of S. invicta establishment in Japan. Furthermore, in Japan, nesting of S. invicta has been continually discovered in cracks in the asphalt pavement of container yards, and winged queens have been detected in those nests. This further increases the threat of its establishment. We discuss why its nesting occurs in container yards and the risks of container yards as a bridgehead for S. invicta establishment. To date, Japanese border control measures have successfully eradicated the ants by detecting their invasion in its early stages. However, further infestation via containerized cargo, and nesting in container yards, increase the likelihood of S. invicta establishment before first detection. Therefore, we have developed novel, effective techniques to prevent S. invicta from entering containerized cargo and from nesting in container yards. These new techniques are introduced in this article, along with further management recommendations. Key words: biological invasion, cargo container, container yard, invasive alien species, Japan, Solenopsis invicta The latest report the Intergovernmental from Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) warns about the global proliferation of alien species (Roy et al., 2023). According to the report, more than 37,000 alien species have been introduced globally due to various human activities. Of these, more than 3,500 are harmful invasive species that have contributed to 60% of recorded global species extinctions by modifying ecosystems, competing for resources and preying on native species. In addition to affecting biodiversity and ecosystems, IPBES also reported that the global economic cost from invasive alien species exceeded $423 billion annually in 2019–a figure that has quadrupled each decade since 1970. The financial losses are on a par with those caused by natural disasters like storms, floods and wildfires (Turbelin et al., 2023). Abstract is amongst the most impactful invasive alien species originating from South America. It was first introduced to the United States in the 1930s and has since spread globally, to Australia in 2001, Taiwan in 2003 and Mainland China in 2004 (Caldera et al., 2008). The biological traits of S. invicta, such as super-colonial structure, high reproductive capacity and dominance over environmental resources, have led to losses in native biodiversity in its introduced ranges (Tschinkel, 2013). Furthermore, S. invicta poses risks to human safety and assets: its aggressive behavior and painful sting can harm people, wildlife, livestock and pets (Vinson, 1997; Williams et al., 2001; Wojcik et al., 2001). The ants are also problematic pests that damage electrical systems and including power grids, communication equipment, networks, traffic lights, airport runway lights, computers and pumps (Vinson, 1997; Vinson & Mackay, 1990). Additionally, S. invicta poses significant threats to agriculture by damaging crops, livestock and nursery 101 Yoshiaki HASHIMOTO1*, Hironori SAKAMOTO2 and Hiromune MITSUHASHI1 The Battle Against the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in Japan: The Imminent Threat of Establishment and Border Control Measures