ABSTRACT
Ants are the most abundant eusocial insect, observed in habitats just about everywhere on earth. Generally, ants are very beneficial, helping to establish ecosystem stability, condition soil, pollinate flowering plants, and preying on destructive arthropods. Humans have learned a lot about the complexity of nature from these insects. Unfortunately, as is the case with many things, some ant species cause serious problems for humans. Although the pest species are few, the economic losses, public health and agricultural problems, and damaging effects on wildlife and the environment can be extensive. Numerous control efforts have been implemented against these pest ants, with most giving only temporary relief. In many cases, the control measures have caused undue damage to the environment and inadvertently increased the pest ant population.
