Non-target ants and bioinsecticides: A short review

Abstract

Chemical insecticides are in many cases the only efficient and large-scale method available for pest control. However, insecticidal compounds can have negative impacts on the environment and non-target organisms. Ants, although acting as pests in various crops and environments, provide vital ecosystem services, such as nutrient cycling, predation, and seed dispersal. The impact of bioinsecticides on these insects is frequently overlooked and underreported. This brief review examines key studies on the effects of bioinsecticides on non-target ants, explores hypotheses for the scarcity of research on this topic, and summarizes the important ecological roles of ants.