PUBLIC ATTITUDES ON RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) INFESTATIONS IN HOMES AND RECREATIONAL AREAS

Abstract

A survey of South Carolina residents conducted between 1983 and 1985 solicited opinions on the red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren and its control. Eighty-seven percent of the 430 respondents felt they had a severe RIFA problem on their property and a similar proportion (89%), reported having had one or more members of their immediate family stung by RIFAs. Control measures were taken by 74% of the respondents. A survey of 55 pest control companies revealed that 97% received calls in 1984 concerning the RIFA. Eighty-two percent of these companies offered a service to control RIFAs in yards.