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Imported Fire Ant Control
The reason for the uncontrolled expansion of imported fire ants is that they have no natural enemies in the United States. In their native countries a microscopic insect called the phorid fly controls their numbers.
The TOWMA Fire Ant Initiative, started in conjunction with Dr. Larry Gilbert of The University of Texas and the Bee County Wildlife Management Association, has resulted in phorid fly populations in Bee County. One of TOWMA's Advisory Committee members was involved in this multi year project, and a population of phorid flies was successfuly established on his ranch. Prior to this time all UT attempts to establish fly populations in South Texas had failed. The combination of long periods of drought followed by heavy rains wiped out the introduced populations.
Techniques related to Irrigated "sanctuary sites" were perfected during the Bee County project and have led to modified practices now used throughout the State. These techniques helped hasten the introduction and spread of phorid flies. Several species of phorid flies have now been successfully established by UT and the FDA in Texas.
TOWMA conducted three regional meetings in Texas explaining the program begun in Bee County, and enough landowners were interested in introducing flies on their properties that training schools were planned to teach the landowners how to do it. Unfortuantely, considerable funding was needed for equipment to support the program, and when that did not become available the program was put on hold
Interestingly, The National Geographic Explorer Channel produced a one hour documentary on the Bee County project titled "Fire Ants - Texas Border Massacre" and it still runs occasionally on the Explorer Channel. It provides a detailed exploration of phorid flies and all the work done by Bee County WMA members in support of the project.