COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KRHD) — As a fire ant expert, Puckett was asked to testify via Zoom before an Australian Senate Inquiry related to ongoing efforts to eradicate fire ants from the Australian state of Queensland.
Despite being on opposite sides of the globe, Australia and Texas share a common challenge—fire ants. They also benefit from the expertise of a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist dedicated to tackling the invasive pest.
Robert Puckett, Ph.D., an AgriLife Extension entomologist and associate professor in Texas A&M’s Department of Entomology, recently joined Australia’s national effort to combat the relentless invader.
“Our department has been at the forefront of managing red imported fire ants and other invasive species that have caused significant damage in Texas,” said Phillip Kaufman, Ph.D., head of the Department of Entomology. “Our goal has always been to develop effective eradication methods, and Dr. Puckett plays a key role in these efforts. He is internationally recognized as a fire ant expert.”
Beyond his work in Australia, Puckett has also been called upon to share his expertise in South Korea and Japan.
When deciding whether or not to control fire ants, one must weigh the benefits of fire ant control against the cost and environmental impact of control methods.
Consideration of biological control of fire ants may not be compatible with some types of insecticide use. Insecticides are not always 100 percent effective, nor are most approved for use everywhere ants occur.