The affects of acetophenone compounds on the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, as a possible means of population control

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren 1972, is an invasive species from South America that is responsible for the degradation of several indigenous species of North American ants. During a previous experiment conducted at Sam Houston State University, acetophenone compounds were tested as an attractant for S. invicta. However, when exposed to the compounds, S. invicta reacted by aversion, loss of colonial behavior, and death. Toxicity assays utilizing a library of liquid acetophenones in sealed containers (~215 cm3) that prevented direct contact between S. invicta and the acetophenones demonstrated that death was aerosol-mediated and rapid (less than 20 minutes) Current studies are focused on determining the mechanism of killing by examining two hypotheses: neurotoxicity and/or interference with molting hormones, and effects of acetophenones on other ant species and other terrestrial arthropods. Preliminary evidence suggests that the compound vapors are heavier than air. Finally, compound retention and environmental effects will be tested with a suite of simple environmental assays to ensure the application of the compound is environmentally safe.fe.