Kinmen Uses Drones for Red Fire Ant Control, Plans Public Workshop

(Central News Agency, reporter Wu Wen-rong, Kinmen, 4th) The Kinmen County Prevention and Control Institute stated that after drone-based red fire ant control on Lieyu Island proved effective, it has been deploying drones to apply bait in various townships this year. Public participation in control efforts is also crucial, and a workshop will be held in July with experts from the National Red Fire Ant Control Center, welcoming public attendance.

Kinmen County has been plagued by red fire ants since 2014, which continue to threaten local agriculture and public safety. Fan De-zheng, Director of the Kinmen County Animal and Plant Prevention and Control Institute, told CNA today that during a meeting in late 2024 with the Ministry of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Agency and the National Red Fire Ant Control Center, it was suggested to first conduct a drone baiting trial on Lieyu Island.

Director Fan said that the trial on Lieyu in 2025, supported by the inspection and quarantine agency, showed a decrease in red fire ant incidence. Previously, manual baiting could leave dead spots due to terrain, but drone baiting allows for more precise application and automated route planning for even distribution, overcoming terrain limitations. Therefore, drone baiting will be rolled out across all townships in Kinmen this year.

Director Fan emphasized that in addition to the institute's active monitoring and baiting, public participation is vital. To help the public better understand red fire ant control, the institute has invited Lai Hong-kuan, a section chief from the National Red Fire Ant Control Center, to conduct a workshop on "Understanding Invasive Red Fire Ant Control" at the institute's conference room on July 3. The public is welcome to register.

The Kinmen County Prevention and Control Institute also posted on Facebook that red fire ants are highly reproductive, and relying solely on the institute's manpower would leave many control gaps. The current strategy, in addition to continuous comprehensive baiting to reduce density, requires residents to immediately apply bait when they discover red fire ants in fields or during outdoor activities. (Editor: Zhang Ming-kun) 1150604