Effects of Meteorological Factors on the Biology and Control of the Imported Fire Ant1

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Abstract
A study was begun in 1964 to determine the relationship of ecological factors to the biology and control of the imported fire ant, Solenopsis saevissima richteri Forel, with emphasis on the meteorological variables as they affected overall activity and control. To date, variations in soil moisture, wind velocity, relative humidity, and changes in temperature, both air and soil, are the only weather parameters that have been successfully identified as materially affecting fire ant activity. Optimum meteorological conditions for insecticide application are when the air temperature is between 70 and 85°F, soil temperatures between the 2- and 12-in. depth is from 65 to 80°F, and soil moisture rating is 3 or in the median range. Eight insecticide formulations, 10% chlordane dust: 10% chlordane bait; 0.15% nonachlor bait; 0.30% nonachlor bait; 0.150% mirex bait; 0.30% mirex bait; 10% Nonachlor (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8-nonachloro-3a, 4, 7, 7a-tetrahydro-4, 7-methanoindan) granules; and 10% heptachlor granules, were tested and all gave excellent control when foraging activity was at its peak. However, the effectiveness of some dropped more rapidly than others as foraging activity decreased. All mating flights took place when ambient air temperature was between 75 and 90°F and soil temperatures were above 65°F.

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