6. Implications and Recommendations for Policy and Practice 167 the Red Imported Fire Ants in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau it is imperative targeting facilitating particular areas invaded by RIFA due to the increased risks of stings while working there. This represents a direct loss in terms of productivity and income (Chan & Guénard, 2020). Similarly, additional incomes generated by school visits and hobbyists were lost due to the fear of participants being stung in invaded farms (Chan & Guénard, 2020). This represents not only an economic loss, but also a disruption of the important societal and educational values that farms provide in education about food production to an increasingly urban population (Chan & Guénard, 2020). 2. Public Awareness and Education: Engaging the public through “citizen science” initiatives can enhance the invicta identification and infestation centers. By educating the public about the ants’ identification, mound structure and associated risks, individuals can contribute to the early detection timely these ants, and control of interventions and supporting broader management efforts. Additionally, train government agents and other relevant authorities in identifying S. its ecology, invicta, understanding nesting behavior and the application of control measures. Ensuring these agents are well-equipped with the necessary training, practical experience and tools will help them respond effectively to infestations. In Hong Kong, information about the prevention, management and seriousness of RIFA was summarized in “Issue No. 5: Red Imported Fire Ants” in 2018 (Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, n.d.), yet no the control and management of RIFA is found. In mainland China, more actions have been taken with the foundation of In some extreme cases, traumatic experiences with S. invicta the development of to myrmecophobia, a fear of ants. Such behavioral changes and phobias can reduce quality of life and limit the social interaction of individuals living in infested areas (Wang et al., 2018b). lead stings can Governments should prioritize multi-step integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that collectively use biological, chemical and cultural control methods to invicta populations effectively. Critical manage S. components of these strategies include: 1. Predictive Tools and Early Detection: First, predictive tools like GIS and remote sensing should be used to assess potential invasion risks and identify vulnerable regions. Following this, robust monitoring systems, such as the Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) program, should be implemented to detect new invasions early, enabling swift eradication of invasive ants. reporting of new S. local program the National Fire Ant Detection and Management Union in 2006 (Wang et al., 2020). Wang et al. (2020) also highlight educational programs undertaken by television networks and local associations, which have successfully raised public awareness about S. invicta infestations. These programs should focus on training residents to identify ant mounds and report sightings, leading to a significant increase in early detection reports and a more coordinated response from pest management teams. This way, the rate of spread of S. the invicta can be slowed down, demonstrating effectiveness of these educational approaches. This dual approach – public awareness combined with professional training – will significantly improve the early detection and management of S. invicta. 3. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Once an invasion is confirmed, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, informed by local ecological and biological studies, are used to identify the most efficient and least damageable approach for the environment to ensure the preservation of non-target species and maintain the ecosystem’s health. 4. Dispersal Mechanisms and Control: Knowledge about the dispersal of S. invicta at local and regional scales is important. The key dispersal sources of S. invicta include planting materials and soil from infested areas, as well as transportation of agricultural machinery and related movement of materials and equipment (Wylie et al., 2020). These factors contribute to the rapid spread of ant species to new areas. Implementing inbound control measures such as comprehensive surveys of the area from where the material will be imported, heat shock treatments and strict quarantine protocols are essential to limit the spread of S. invicta. These strategies can prevent the introduction and spread of S. invicta to new areas. 5. International Cooperation: International cooperation is also essential in controlling the spread of S. invicta populations to new areas of the world. Countries with S. invicta infestations should adopt preventive measures and quarantine strategies to prevent the invasion of new territories. Platforms such as antmaps.org (Guénard et al., 2017; Janicki et al., 2016) and public reports of records through scientific literature or news can help researchers and local authorities monitor and assess the impact of S. invicta. to 6. Is it Too Late to Act? Although the challenge of managing S. invicta is significant, it is not necessarily to act. Effective management requires too coordinated approaches involving early detection, public engagement through awareness, clear reporting of the infestation status of relevant materials (plants, soil and agricultural machinery) from exporting regions and strict inbound controls. Using these strategies makes it possible to mitigate the impact and slow down the spread of S. invicta, even in infested areas. late
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