Field Test to Determine the Feasibility of Using Microwave Technology to Control Fire Ants, 1994

Abstract

Three microwave devices manufactured by Armstrong Marine, Inc., Stuart, FL, were tested against field colonies of RIFA. Twenty-six active colonies were located and characterized in Brazos County, TX, rangeland. All colonies were located within 0.5 ha and in the same soil type. Colonies were characterized in terms of ant activity using a Lichert scale of 0-3, with 0 = inactive, 1 = minor activity, 2 = moderate activity, and 3 = full activity. A metal wire inserted in mounds and vibrated determined ant activity. The number of ants responding to the disturbance in the first 30 s was rated as above. Posttreatment evaluations also used this procedure. Following the last assay interval, the mounds were dug with a spade and an observation made as to the relative numbers of foragers, brood and queens surviving.