Pseudacteon phorid flies, also known as decapitating flies, will not run out of fire ants for two reasons: (1) flies never parasitize more than 2-3% of all worker ants in a colony, and (2) flies will not completely eradicate fire ants from an area. We hope they will reduce the number of fire ant colonies per acre and thereby reduce the need for insecticide treatments. The Pseudacteon phorid fly release project is one of many tools to reduce the ability of the fire ant to spread and reinfest desirable areas. See also "Will Pseudacteon phorid flies (decapitating flies) sting or bite? Are decapitating flies harmful?" and "What can we expect from the Pseudacteon phorid (decapitating flies)?"
For more information on Pseudacteon phorid flies, see "Natural Enemies of Fire Ants."
