Toxic bait for the control of Anoplolepis longipes (Jerdon) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Seychelles. III. Selection of toxicants

Abstract

Attempts were made to find alternative, less persistent, toxicants to aldrin for use in baits against Anoplolepis longipes (Jerd.) in the Seychelles.More than twenty toxicants were tested (some in more than one formulation) for effectiveness as poisons and for repellency to ants at the concentrations used in baits. None was as effective as aldrin, but certain formulations of pirimiphos-ethyl, pirimiphos-methyl and mecarbam were promising because they gave good kill of ants in the laboratory and were of relatively low repellency and therefore acceptable in bait formulations. IntroductionPresent control measures against the ant pest Anoplolepis longipes (Jerdon) in the Seychelles are based on the use of toxic baits and sprays, tested and developed as part of a research programme financed by the Ministry of Overseas Development (Lewis et al., 1976;Haines & Haines, 1979a).The most effective bait previously tested contained aldrin and gave good control of ants with little risk of polluting the environment if applied as recommended (Haines & Haines, 19796). However, the incorporation of a toxicant less persistent than aldrin, with lower toxicity to mammals and other vertebrates, would be advantageous. Attempts to find suitable alternatives are described.In selecting candidate toxicants, other factors besides short-term persistence and effect on non-target organisms must be considered. The toxicants at the concentrations used should not make the bait repellent to ants, and toxic effects should be delayed sufficiently to allow good distribution of toxicant within the nest before the onset of poisoning symptoms.

Agresi intraspesifik dan waktu penemuan makanan pada semut invasif Anoplolepis gracilipes di Kebun Raya Bogor

“…Umpan beracun dapat dibuat dengan campuran garam, gula, dan ragi serta lemak hewani yang dijadikan sebagai pelarut racun. A. gracilipes lebih menyukai protein padat dan larutan gula cair sebagai pilihan makanan utama (Haines & Haines 1979). Dengan menempatkan racun berbahan aktif fipronil kedalam kedua sumber makanan tersebut, maka A. gracilipes dapat dikendalikan hingga ke level sarang di dalam koloni dan mencegah ekspansi yang lebih luas dari semut invasif ini.…”