Generalist predators such as the weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda (Latreille), play an important role as biological control agents in West African orchards and, by extension, also in forest and savanna ecosystems within sub-Saharan Africa. These weaver ants are one of the most effective and efficient predators of arthropods in perennial tropical tree crops; their presence also acts as a deterrent to insect herbivores, particularly tephritid female fruit flies, due to the semiochemicals they produce. Emerging African markets for organic and sustainably-managed fruits and nuts have encouraged an interest in the use of weaver ants. Protection of tropical forests and savannas is ecologically and environmentally crucial and also essential for the protection of O. longinoda.