The biology and mating habits of red imported fire ants are different from screwworms. Screwworms were eradicated using a sterile male release technique. Over time, the population of screwworms declined as females were no longer laying viable eggs. Even if the same technique was possible to use with imported fire ants, the ability to raise, sterilize and make timely releases of high numbers of sterile male ants has not been developed. Fire ant colonies can produce mating flights from individual mounds all year long, usually after every rainy period. Male winged reproductive fire ants live for only a short time. In addition, screwworm population density was smaller compared to fire ant populations today. The best alternative is to sterilize the queen by broadcasting insect growth regulator baits.

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