The influence of light activated α-terthienyl (α-T) on the food recognition ability of red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) workers was observed, and the influence of α-T on their abilities of finding water, walking, climbing, and aggregation were also studied by the methods of potter spray and daubing antennas respectively. After the ant workers were treated with α-T in irradiation for 30 min, and then statically placed for 5,10,15,20，30 min, the rates of food recognition of these red imported fire ants were 11.67%, 13.33%, 10.00%, 16.67% and 15.00% respectively; the rates of water finding were 23.33%, 71.67%, 85.00%, 85.00% and 88.33% respectively; the aggregation rates were 55.00%, 62.50%, 65.00%, 67.50% and 70.00% respectively; their walking speed was 4.60 mm/s, and the rate of losing adhesive ability was 27.50%.The α-T has inhibitory effects on the red imported fire ants, and can significantly influence their food recognition ability, intraspecific identification ability and walking ability, and it can enhance their skills of finding water. The light activation insecticidal α-T possesses the ability to control red imported fire ants, and the botanical light activation has the potential to be the new, safe and environment protecting pesticides.