Formulation and field evaluation of experimental baits for the control of leaf-cutting ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Brazil

Abstract

Ten non-organochlorine insecticides which had shown promise in laboratory tests as formicides, because of their delayed toxic action, were field-tested in Brazil in experimental leaf-cutting ant baits and were compared with a mirex bait. Seven of these gave good control (similar to mirex) against Atta sexdens (L.) colonies. Several showed some success, at the concentrations used, against the larger Atta cephalotes (L.) colonies, but were not as good as mirex.By microencapsulating some quick-acting and very potent insecticides it was shown that useful formicides could be produced, presumably because encapsulation delayed the toxic action.Substituting vermiculite plus orange juice in place of dried citrus pulp as an attractive bait matrix gave successful results.