Entomopathogens attacking invasive arthropods

After invasive arthropods have arrived at a new location, decisions are made regarding whether to undertake control or eradication programs. For both eradication and control programs, entomopathogens have frequently been used for control. Bacillus thuringiensis has been used very successfully in numerous eradication programs and nucleopolyhedrovirus has been used occasionally. For invasive arthropods that are well established and cannot be eradicated, numerous programs have successfully employed entomopathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes and microsporidia for either short- or long-term control of a diversity of invasive arthropods including aphids, mole crickets, longhorned beetles, a jewel beetle, gypsy moth, a woodwasp, fire ants, cassava green mite and varroa mite. We will summarize the use of pathogens against invasive arthropods and will briefly present some case studies to illustrate successful use of entomopathogens in control and eradication programs.