Field evaluation of Solenopsis invicta virus 3 against its host Solenopsis invicta

•SINV-3 was successfully transmitted, established, and multiplied within field colonies of Solenopsis invicta.•SINV-3 caused a 7-fold decrease in nests compared with an untreated control.•SINV-3 caused a 57% decrease in nest size compared with an untreated control.•SINV-3 provides a sustainable alternative to insecticides to control Solenopsis invicta.