Research efforts toward the management of the raspberry crazy ant (Paratrechina sp. nr. pubens) in southeastern Texas

The new invasive pest ant in the Houston area, Paratrechina sp. nr. pubens, can pose a serious threat with a potential to spread throughout the urban, agricultural (nursery, greenhouse, turf, pasture, orchard and crop) areas of the southern United States. Current information indicates that, following its detection in 2002, this species is currently present in 11 counties in Texas. An isolated infestation in West Columbia, Texas has provided an ideal research opportunity with objectives that include: the documentation of the distribution of this ant and extent of infestation(s), to provide information to help prevent further artificial and natural spread of this invasive ant to non-infested areas, provide relief to homeowners in infested area, create awareness about the potential economic, ecological, health and biosecurity impact of this pest, and most importantly, to develop sound management practices to manage or contain this species expansion. Research efforts include the development of efficient sampling and collection techniques, lure and bait preference tests, population management using Advance Carpenter Ant Bait, the monitoring of the ant’s rate of spread, and arthropod diversity in ant infested areas.