Population Flushing with Sexually Sterile Insects

Abstract

In theory, populations of animals can be displaced by overloading a resource with introduced sterile animals. The theory was tested on natural populations of the Queensland fruitfly Dacus tryoni Frogg. Three of four treated populations declined sharply within 2 days after sterile flies had been introduced. This procedure may be useful both as a tool in experimental ecology and as a means of controlling pests.