Advancing biocontrol strategies for red imported fire ants with emerging technologies

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), ranked among the world's most invasive species, poses severe threats to biodiversity, agriculture, and public health, causing profound economic and ecological damage. Chemical insecticides remain the primary means of control once S. invicta becomes established, but their extensive use has led to environmental degradation and the evolution of resistance, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and sustainable alternatives. This review examines the current state of biological control resources for S. invicta, highlighting their effectiveness, limitations, and critical challenges, including environmental adaptability and non-target effects. To overcome these barriers, we explore advancements in genetic engineering, RNA interference, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, which hold the potential to revolutionize biocontrol approaches by enhancing precision, efficiency, and sustainability. Building on these innovations, we propose a 'smart biocontrol system' that integrates real-time environmental monitoring with genetically optimized biocontrol agents, potentially supplemented by pest-resistant crops as one of several complementary strategies. This precision-driven framework minimizes ecological disruption while maximizing control efficacy, providing a scalable, long-term solution to S. invicta management. By uniting traditional biocontrol with state-of-the-art technologies, this approach envisions a transformative pathway for managing invasive species globally, aiming to establish a benchmark for future environmentally responsible pest control strategies. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.