We are now in an excellent position to chemically characterize the pheromones and investigate their effectiveness as species-specific biopesticides. The responsible pheromones are extremely potent molecules. Armed with the structural identity of these powerful pheromones it may be possible to dramatically reduce fire ant populations by suppressing colony growth and reproduction. It may even be possible to synthesize chemical analogs of the pheromones that are more potent than the natural substances. The demonstrated effects of queen primer pheromones in colonies of Solenopsis invicta .
Yellow arrows indicate developmental and physiological changes.
Red arrows indicate the point at which queen primer pheromones act to alter the development and physiology of the target individuals. Use of the ants' own chemical signals to disrupt their growth and reproduction has two advantages over conventional pesticides. First, application would be target-specific, thereby promoting the Texas native ant fauna. Second, in contrast to conventional pesticides, ants are unlikely to develop resistance to the very chemicals on which they depend for survival and reproduction. These authors also showed that the pheromone is relatively non volatile and is produced somewhere in the queen's abdomen.