Chemical Control of the Established Populations of Invasive Alien Species ‘Argentine Ant’ in Japan

Abstract

Among invasive species, alien ants show particularly high levels of ecological impacts. One such species, the Argentine ant Linepithema humile, has invaded and established populations worldwide, causing significant damage to biodiversity and human society. Although chemical control measures against invading populations of Argentine ants have been implemented in various countries, successful eradication cases remain rare. In Japan, this species is listed as a Designated Invasive Alien Species under the Invasive Alien Species Act, placing the responsibility for its control on local governments. Our research team at the National Institute for Environmental Studies, has developed effective control methods for the invading Argentine ant populations based on population-ecology and pesticide-science approaches. As a result, we have successfully eradicated nearly all Argentine ant populations in the Kanto region of Japan.