Attraction behavior of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, to candidate attractants and poisoning baits

Abstract

The red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren, is native to South America and has been expanding its habitat in the United States, Asia, and Oceania through abiotic and international trade routes. Surveillance is a vital quarantine task at quarantine sites that can detect exotic pests before their introduction. However, subsequent intensive surveillance is essential to eradicate this invasive species. Understanding the RIFA response and attractant selection helps improve bait quality and effectiveness. This study assessed the attraction behavior of RIFA to candidate attractants (CA) including trail and alarm pheromones, farnesene mixture, 4-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylic acid, geranylgeraniol (GGOH), allofarnesene cis and trans mixture (AFA), 3-Ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine (PYZ), and 13 commercial poisoning baits (CPBs). In terms of attraction sensitivity to CA and CPB, AFA was a potential attractant. AFA showed a 68% attraction rate for RIFA at a lower concentration compared to other pheromones. Among the CPBs, borax (3%) gel bait showed the most efficient attraction. The behavioral preferences of RIFA towards CA and CPB showed a higher attraction to pheromones than CPB. Based on these results, AFA may be used as bait to support extensive surveillance and prevent RIFA infestations.