Scientists Discuss Fire Ants at Annual International Meeting

Scientists from around the world are meeting in Charleston, South Carolina to discuss the latest in research and control methods for imported fire ants. While Americans consider fire ants a pest of the southeastern and southwestern United States, the ants are a growing problem in Asian nations. Imported fire ants first entered the United States in the early 20th century at Mobile, Alabama through imports from South America. An entomologist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System says the stinging pest used the same route to enter countries like Taiwan. “Imported fire ants are a relatively recent problem for Asian nations,” says Dr. Kathy Flanders, who is also a leader of eXtension’s Fire Ant Community of Practice. “They have to develop control methods for these pests, just as we have had to in the United States.” Tim Davis, an entomologist with Clemson Extension and the conference chair, says the annual conference provides entomologists and other professionals with cutting edge information on battling the various species of imported fire ants as well other invasive ant species. “The meeting is an excellent opportunity for scientists and industry professionals to learn what is working and what isn’t in control methods as well as the results from the most recent research studies.” The conference will be held in 2009 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For more information, visit the 2008 Imported Fire Ant Meeting website. Proceedings from the 2008 meeting will be available in the near future. Proceedings from prior meetings are available at the site as well.

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Contact: Maggie Lawrence Communications Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System lawremc@auburn.edu 334.844.5687