Eradication costs calculated: Red imported fire ants threaten agriculture, wildlife and homes

Jetter, K; Hamilton, J; Klotz, J

Eradication costs calculated: Red imported fire ants threaten agriculture, wildlife and homes

Authors

Karen M. Jetter
Jay Hamilton
John H. Klotz

Publication Information

Hilgardia 56(1):26-34. DOI:10.3733/ca.v056n01p26. January 2002.

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Abstract

The red imported fire ant, a pest newly introduced into California, threatens households, agriculture and wildlife. This study estimates the costs and benefits of a public program to eradicate the ants. The results show that almost all agricultural activities would be affected should the ants become established; however, households would incur the majority of costs. The total estimated cost if red imported fire ants become established would be between $387 million and $989 million per year in California. Given current funding levels for eradication of red imported fire ants, for the expected benefits to be at least as great as the expected costs, the probability of successfully eradicating the ants needs to be at least 0.65% if the annual costs of establishment are $989 million and 1.67% if they are $387 million.

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Also in this issue:

Distribution and Dynamics of Aphid (Homoptera: Drepanosiphidae) Populations on Betula pendula in Northern California

Agricultural easements: A farmland preservation tool

Nonnative ants disrupt ecosystems

California a supercolony of Argentine ants

Red imported fire ants discovered in Sacramento

SOD found on UC Berkeley campus

Mondavi gift benefits UC Davis wine and food sciences

Introduction: California increases support for agricultural easements

Agricultural easement programs: Saving agriculture or saving the environment?

Agricultural easements limited geographically

Landowners, while pleased with agricultural easements, suggest improvements

Central Valley leaders cautious about agricultural easements

Minimum tillage practices affect disease and yield of lettuce