Biologically-based Material and Method for Control of Invasive Fire Ants

Currently, red imported fire ants (RIFA) "Solenopsis invicta," infest over 140 million hectares in the USA. The estimated annual cost for controlling these invasive pests and to repair damage caused by them is approximately 6 billion dollars. The RIFA directly impact crops, livestock, nurseries, sod producers; electronics, communications and airports; households; and other economic sectors. In addition, humans are impacted directly. Approximately 50% of the population in infested areas is stung per year, with approximately 5% developing hypersensitivity. The bottom line is that RIFA infestation results in higher food production costs by decreasing yields. Further, they are a direct contributor to increased use of broad-spectrum insecticides that also harm other beneficial insects, increased medical and veterinary costs, damage to equipment and ecological impact.There is a great need for non-insecticidal methods for controlling the spread of RIFA. No naturally occurring insecticides that only target imported fire ants currently exist. The successful execution of this SBIR grant will result in developing naturally-occuring, species-specific affordable, biologically active compounds that can be used commercially for fire ant control. This in turn will lead to increased crop and animal production, thereby increasing food security of the nation.The project will build upon prior research and will be conducted with the assistance of a CRADA with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and in collaboration with Virginia Military Institute and the VMI Foundation.