Tawny crazy ant (Nylanderia fulva Mayr) management strategies in urban environments

The tawny crazy ants (Nylanderia fulva Mayr) were first documented in Texas in 2002 at a single location in Pasadena, TX.  Since then, populations of this invasive species have been confirmed in 27 Texas counties.  Additionally, N. fulva are now known to be established in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.  Once established, populations of these ants have proven very difficult to manage in urban and rural settings.  The Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility (formerly the Center for Urban and Structural Entomology) at Texas A&M University has been engaged in research regarding the biology, behavior, and management of these ants since their initial discovery in Texas.  This presentation will provide an update of our recent research activities including investigations of management options for these ants using insecticidal baits and perimeter applications of pesticides on structures, as well as the results of our work to develop molecular markers for use in studies that will investigate N. fulva colony structure and population genetics across their invasive range in the southern United States.