04 - Using Spices to Mitigate the Detrimental Effects of the Red Imported Fire Ant Solenopsis Invicta Buren (Formicidae) in Virginia.
Description/Abstract/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 and animals. Although the ant colonies can be eliminated with pesticide applications, chemical control can have detrimental effects on humans, animals, and the environment. In the present study, we investigated various spices 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
Dr. Deborah Waller
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Biology
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Animal Experimentation and Research | Animal Sciences | Behavior and Ethology | Entomology | Population Biology
04 - 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 and animals. Although the ant colonies can be eliminated with pesticide applications, chemical control can have detrimental effects on humans, animals, and the environment. In the present study, we investigated various spices 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.