1 Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 360 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA 2 Virginia Museum of Natural History 21 Starling Ave, Martinsville, VA 24112, USA *E-mail: scottyyang@vt.edu 2. Baiting Remains the Most Common Invasive Ant Management Strategy 1. Invasive Alien Ants in the Continental United States 2024 AIRIES Invasive alien ants pose significant economic and ecological threats in the United States, with the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) and the Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis) exemplifying the challenges. This review examines the status, distribution and management strategies of these species, with a particular focus on recent research advances in control methods. Innovations such as water-resistant baits, RNA interference, viruses, integration of trail pheromones, hydrogels, prey-baiting and trapping box strategies enhance the specificity and efficacy of invasive ant control while addressing the unique behaviors of target species. We propose that a comprehensive approach, integrating both traditional and novel species-specific strategies, is essential for advancing invasive ant management and adapting to the growing diversity of invasive ants arriving and establishing in the United States. Key words: Argentine ant, Asian needle ant, baiting, control strategies, invasive species, red imported fire ant Invasive alien ants spread across geographical areas primarily through human activities, causing significant economic and ecological impacts in the regions invaded (Bertelsmeier et al., 2017). Between 1930 and 2010, invasive ants in the United States incurred economic costs totaling $29 billion, with the majority of these losses attributed to two widespread species: the red imported fire ant the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) (Angulo et al., 2022). Another invasive ant species of increasing concern, though not reflected in these economic estimates, is the Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis). Despite its introduction to the United Stated in the 1930s, the ant’s rapid range expansion began only in the early 2000s. The red imported fire ant and Argentine ant have been the primary subjects of invasive ant management research, shaping the foundational frameworks for controlling invasive ants. Strategies developed for these species, such as baiting and mound treatments, have proven broadly effective against invasive ants. However, the Asian needle ant poses unique challenges. Unlike S. invicta and L. humile, B. chinensis (Solenopsis invicta) and Abstract exhibits distinct ecological and behavioral traits that techniques, traditional management complicate underscoring the need for novel approaches and further research. This three most review examines ecologically and economically significant invasive ant species in the continental United States, highlighting their status and distribution along with management strategies. Special attention is given to recent research advances and innovative management approaches. Early strategies for managing invasive ants primarily relied on residual insecticide treatments, such as sprays, dusts and granules, aimed at quickly eliminating foraging workers and disrupting trail establishment (Knight & Rust, 1990). These methods, however, often had unintended consequences, including colony fragmentation, increased foraging activity and secondary invasions as colonies migrated to escape contact with fast-acting insecticides (Rust et al., 1996). The advent of non-repellent insecticides, such as fipronil and chlorfenapyr, offered a more effective alternative by leveraging behaviors such as 171 the Fang-Ling Chloe LIU1, Kaloyan IVANOV1,2 and Chin-Cheng Scotty YANG1* Global Environmental Research 28/2024 171-178 printed in Japan Invasive Alien Ants in the United States: Current Status and Countermeasures
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