The Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren, 1972): A Persistent Global Invader and the Search for Effective...

The red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren (1972), commonly known as RIFA, is considered one of the world's 100 most invasive and threatening pest species. It is particularly notorious for its rapid expansion into new territories and its severe impacts on agriculture, nurseries, public infrastructure, and urban green areas. Due to its aggressive nature and broad ecological adaptability, RIFA poses significant challenges to human activities and ecosystems. Consequently, substantial research efforts have been directed toward both eradication in infested areas and the prevention of its spread into new regions. Core management strategies include quarantine measures and chemical, biological, and physical control methods, each with specific advantages and limitations. This article aims to underscore the global importance of RIFA, provide a comprehensive review of current control approaches, and analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation. The findings reported in the literature reviewed are intended to support the development and application of sustainable, site-specific Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive strategies for long-term control. Future efforts should prioritize predictive modeling of invasion pathways, genomic tools for resistance management, and enhanced biocontrol integration to address climate-mediated range expansions.