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Aerial baiting to control leaf-cutting ants (Formicidae, Attini) in Trinidad. II. Field application, nest mortality and the effect on other animals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

T. Lewis
T. Lewis
Affiliation:
Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control, Gordon Street, Curepe, Trinidad
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Abstract

Aircraft were used to apply a bait containing aldrin, soyabean oil and citrus meal against leaf-cutting ants (Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich) and Atta cephalotes (L.)) in Trinidad. The distribution patterns of bait applied by different aircraft were measured. Plain bait applied at 2.2 kg/ha to an uncultivated island in the dry season destroyed 91% of nests of Acromyrmex, and waterproofed bait applied in the wet season to cultivated land on the mainland destroyed 85%. Small nests of Atta were also destroyed by this treatment but large nests in forest required much heavier dosages applied to the nest itself. Lizards and crabs living in the baited areas were contaminated with aldrin but there was no evidence to show that they were harmed.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 63 , Issue 2 , December 1973 , pp. 275 - 287
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1973

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