Evaluation of Demon 40WP as A Mound Drench for Control of Imported Fire Ants, 1983

Abstract

The effectiveness of Demon 40WP (cypermethrin) as a mound drench for control of imported fire ants (IFA) was investigated in a cattle pasture in Allendale, S.C. Three blocks based on area of the pasture were set up; three circular areas (70-ft diam. were delineated within each block with the location of IFA mounds in each area being mapped. Five mounds were present in each circular area. Demon 40WP (0.1%), a standard Dursban 2E (0.5%) and a control drench of water were applied to mounds in a randomly chosen area within each block. Mounds were uncapped with a shovel and the treatment was poured down the center of the mound. One gal of material was applied to mounds 12 in. or less in diameter and 2 gal to those greater than 12 in. Control was assessed based on IFA activity with active mounds being those that exhibited ants coming to the surface when the mound was slightly prodded with a thin metal wire. Treatments were applied on 12 May.