| For 2020 and newer grants, please go to https://grants.ipmcenters.org/ |
|---|
|
|
| Home Current RFAs PD User Guide Projects Login |
|
Funded Project |
|
Funding Program:
Regional IPM Competitive Grants - Northeastern |
|
Project Title:
IPM of Pest Ants in the Urban/Suburban Landscape |
Project Directors (PDs):
|
|
Lead State: ME Lead Organization: University of Maine |
|
Cooperating State(s):
Delaware, New York |
| Extension Funding: $21,559 |
| Research Funding: $128,496 |
|
Start Date: Jun-15-2006 End Date: Jun-14-2008 |
|
No-Cost Extension Date: Jun-14-2009 |
|
Pests Involved: fire ants |
|
Site/Commodity: urban, residential, community |
|
Area of Emphasis: invasive species |
|
Summary:
Ants in the exterior urban/suburban landscape can cause considerable problems associated with: a) nuisance and health problems of stinging species, 2) exacerbation of plant pests by homopteran-tending species, and 3) contributions to interior nuisance and structural problems from outside nesting invaders. Problems associated with ants in the landscape are encountered by homeowners, building managers, park and open space managers, school officials, and business owners, yet region-specific information on the pest species and their management is not available. The European fire ant is an invasive species that has become a serious pest in many coastal communities in northern New England over the past 10 years, and populations have developed at several locations in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York. Densities of this aggressive, stinging ant can average 1.4 nests/m2 with 300-10,000 foragers per nest, literally driving people out of their yards and displacing native fauna. A need exists for an effective, yet safe means for managing populations of this pest and to prevent further spread. The purpose of this study is to investigate 1) the potential to manage M. rubra around buildings and homes with liquid vs. solid bait stations, and 2) survey PCOs in the NE to determine the most commonly encountered pestiferous ants in the urban/suburban landscape, and 3) develop and distribute region specific information on pestiferous ant species and options for least toxic management of ants.
Objectives: Research: R1) Develop and evaluate least toxic strategies for homeowners and businesses for management of the European fire ant, M. rubra, using bait station strategies. Extension: E1) Survey pest control operators in participating states and extension workers throughout the NE region to determine the most commonly reported species of ants causing problems for homeowners, businesses and schools in the NE. E2) Develop a web-based key to the common ant pests in urban/suburban landscapes in the NE region. E3) Develop and distribute web-based and printed materials for homeowners and businesses (including pest control operators) on common pestiferous ants in the urban/suburban landscape and their management. Particular emphasis will be directed towards raising the awareness of the biology, ecology, potential spread and methods of managing M. rubra. Products and activities will also be designed to allow us to further track the spread of this pest. Proposal USDA CRIS data Progress Report 2007 Progress Report 2008 Final Report |
| Close Window |
|
Northeastern IPM Center 340 Tower Road Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 NortheastIPM.org |
 |
Developed by the Center for IPM © Copyright CIPM 2004-2026 |
|