The Fire Ant Wars: Nature, Science, and Public Policy in Twentieth-Century America

by Joshua Blu Buhs

Sometime in the first half of the twentieth century, a coterie of fire ants came ashore from South American ships docked in Mobile, Alabama. Fanning out across the region, the fire ants invaded the South, damaging crops, harassing game animals, and hindering harvesting methods. Responding to a collective call from southerners to eliminate these invasive pests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture developed a campaign that not only failed to eradicate the fire ants but left a wake of dead wildlife, sickened cattle, and public protest.

With political intrigue, environmental tragedy, and such figures as Rachel Carson and E. O. Wilson, The Fire Ant Wars is a grippingly perceptive tale of changing social attitudes and scientific practices. Tracing the political and scientific eradication campaigns, Joshua Buhs's bracing study uses the saga as a means to consider twentieth-century American concepts of nature and environmental stewardship. In telling the story, Buhs explores how human concepts of nature evolve and how these ideas affect the natural and social worlds.

Spotlighting a particular issue to discuss larger questions of science, public perceptions, and public policy—from pre-environmental awareness to the activist years of the early environmental movement— The Fire Ant Wars will appeal to historians of science, environmentalists, and biologists alike.

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything is more complicated than you think. Traces the interactions between humans and the imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) from the 30's to the early 2000's. Recounts in detail the war waged against the ant by the USDA, the backlash by the environmental movement, and the failures of both. The most fascinating aspect was how the USDA's eradication efforts accidentally helped the fire ant by killing off much of the native species it competes with.


A great thesis paper on the intersection of science and society, well-researched and well balanced. Recommended for academic readers.

[Andy Janes]

Despite being written in a very academic style, it was fascinating and and an interesting read. Learned a lot!