Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
The Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis Invicta Buren, first arrived in southeastern Virginia in 1989 and rapidly spread throughout the area. These invasive ants displace native ant species and prey on vulnerable invertebrate and vertebrate species. Fire ant workers are very aggressive and readily bite and sting humans. Although the ant colonies can be eliminated with pesticide applications, chemical control can have detrimental effects on humans and on the environment. In the present study, we investigated various spices including cinnamon, nutmeg and turmeric as repellents to foraging workers. The use of spices to control ant activity promises to be an effective and environmentally benign method to reduce fire ant activity.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Deborah Waller
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
Dwaller@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Biology
College/School Affiliation
College of Sciences
Student Level Group
Graduate/Professional
Presentation Type
Poster
Using Spices to Mitigate the Detrimental Effects of the Red Imported Fire Ant Solenopsis Invicta Buren (Formicidae) in Virginia
The Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis Invicta Buren, first arrived in southeastern Virginia in 1989 and rapidly spread throughout the area. These invasive ants displace native ant species and prey on vulnerable invertebrate and vertebrate species. Fire ant workers are very aggressive and readily bite and sting humans. Although the ant colonies can be eliminated with pesticide applications, chemical control can have detrimental effects on humans and on the environment. In the present study, we investigated various spices including cinnamon, nutmeg and turmeric as repellents to foraging workers. The use of spices to control ant activity promises to be an effective and environmentally benign method to reduce fire ant activity.