Evaluation of Two Experimental Baits, UC86874 and UC84572, for Control of Red Imported Fire Ants, 1985

Abstract

Tw experimental baits that function as insect growth regulators were evaluated for control of single colonies of red imported fire ant (RIFA) in Santee, S.C Twenty-seven plots, 30.5 m diam, were delineated, and the location of RIFA mounds in each plot was mapped. Plots were separated by a 10.1-m buffi zone to prevent interplot contamination. Each plot contained a minimum of 5 active colonies. Mound activity was determined by slightly probing the moufl with a thin metal wire to see whether any ants would come to the surface in response to the disturbance. One of 9 treatments was randomly assigned t each of the 27 plots. The treatments were as follows: UC86874 (6, 18, and 30 g/mound), UC84572 (6, 18, and 30 g/mound), Amdro (27 g/mound), Pro-Dronf (31 g/mound), and an untreated check. Bait was applied 15 cm from the base of each mound. All mounds treated were active prior to application. Activil| of all treated colonies was then assessed 1, 3, 5, 8, and 12 wk following treatment. Treatments were applied on 2 Aug.