Integrated approaches for Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) management: insights from laboratory studies with entomopathogenic nematodes and insecticides

BACKGROUND In agricultural pest management, especially in combatting the invasive red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta), significant challenges emerge as a consequence of the constraints of solely depending on chemical insecticides or entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The utilization of chemical insecticides carries environmental and ecological hazards, whereas EPNs, when applied independently, might not offer the immediate effectiveness necessary for adequate RIFA suppression. Acknowledging these hurdles, our study investigates a synergistic method that integrates EPNs with chemical insecticides, aiming to fulfill the urgent demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly pest control solutions. RESULTS Our evaluation focused on the interaction between the highly pathogenic Steinernema riobrave 7–12 EPN strain and prevalent insecticides, specifically beta‐cypermethrin and a mixture of bifenthrin and clothianidin, applied at highly diluted recommended concentrations. The findings revealed a notable increase in RIFA mortality rates when EPNs and these insecticides were used together, outperforming the results achieved with each method individually. Remarkably, this enhanced efficacy was especially evident at lower concentrations of the bifenthrin–clothianidin mixture, indicating a valuable approach to minimizing reliance on chemical insecticides in agriculture. Furthermore, the high survival rates of EPNs alongside the tested insecticides indicate their compatibility and potential for sustained use in integrated pest management programs. CONCLUSION Our research underscores the effectiveness of merging EPNs with chemical insecticides as a powerful and sustainable strategy for RIFA management. This combined approach not only meets the immediate challenges of pest control in agricultural settings, but also supports wider environmental objectives by reducing the dependency on chemical insecticides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Combining Steinernema riobrave (Sr) nematodes with a lower recommended field concentration (RC) for bifenthrin–clothianidin significantly boosts Solenopsis invicta mortality, a promising step towards reducing chemical pesticide dependence in agriculture.