Control of Argentine ant Linepthema humile (Mayr) in Western Australia - the past, present and future

Abstract

The Argentine ant, Linepithema (Mayr), was first recorded in Australia in 1939 and in Western Australia in 1941. Since the 1950s, this ant has been contained in its distribution in Western Australia with the aid of organochlorine chemicals. The most recent organochlorine pesticide to be used was heptachlor. In response to public and political pressure, the use of heptachlor for this purpose has now been suspended. This paper discusses the consequences of replacing heptachlor with less persistent chemicals such as chlorpyrifos and outlines some of the potential new approaches to control which are being investigated by staff of the Agriculture Protection Board of Western Australia.