Past Accomplishments

	Discovered sulfluramids, a new class of delayed action insecticide for control of ants, cockroaches, and termites
	Discovered and developed 7 chemicals for use in fire ant baits - 5 are commercially available today
	Discovered fire ant recruitment, attractant, and induction pheromones
	Established benefit of pheromone-enhanced baits
	Discovered hybridization between the red and black imported fire ants
	Discovered fire ant repellents

Recent Accomplishments

	Discovered the life cycle of phorid flies and methods to mass rear and field release them
	Released two Phorid fly species in the field for fire ant control
	Discovered pathogen Thelohania solenopsae in U.S. and methods to infect field populations
	Discovered a new spore type in Thelohania solenopsae
	Discovered Mattesia sp., a new pathogen of fire ants in the U.S
	Developed PCR detection method for Thelohania solenopsae
	Determined that fire ant alarm pheromones attract Phorid flies
	Field release and evaluations of 2 fire ant biocontrol agents in 11 southern states
	Initiated first Areawide program for the suppression of fire ants using IPM in 5 states
	Discovered fire ant attractant for bait enhancement

Future Goals

	Search for and develop additional fire ant biological control agents
	Develop technology for mass production & delivery of successful biocontrol agents
	Transfer technology of new biocontrol agents, and formulations to private industry and other federal and state government agencies
	Develop novel uses for pheromones in fire ant control
	Transfer repellent and attractant technology to commercial interests
	Expand molecular biology & genetic studies
	Implement Areawide integrated management programs against fire ants