Integrated control techniques for golden apple snails: from traditional strategies to exploring ultrasonic methods

Abstract The golden apple snail (GAS) is among the world's 100 worst invasive alien species, severely damaging agricultural production and aquatic ecosystems wherever it invades. Existing publications have outlined the fundamental control techniques for GASs, but systematically reviewing the latest advancements in control technologies is crucial for addressing the rapidly evolving invasion patterns of GASs and formulating flexible control strategies. This study reviewed 96 relevant publications from the past decade, with sources primarily including China (44 publications), Vietnam (eight publications), the United States (eight publications), Malaysia (seven publications) and Spain (five publications). The types of control methods involved biological control (71%), chemical control (20%), agricultural control (5%) and physical control (4%). Currently, chemical control is shifting toward targeted research. Biological control, as an environmentally friendly approach, has emerged as a research hotspot. Agricultural control methods demonstrate good efficacy but lack flexibility. Physical control methods involve high labour costs, low timeliness and are the subject of limited research. In contrast, ultrasonic control, as a physical method, offers advantages such as simple operation, rapid response, and no secondary pollution. This review systematically examined the current state of existing control technologies. By analysing the shortcomings and research gaps in physical control methods, this study proposes novel approaches to address deficiencies in this field, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and flexibility of integrated management strategies for GASs. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.